Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety Protocol - Essay Example

The peer-reviewed publications which are pertinent to safety were assimilated from professional online databases. These professional databases incorporated information from a variety of sources. The project aimed to classify and evaluate the value of the distinct professional perspectives which are pertinent to MRI safety Detail was allocated to the assimilation of empirical and professional and professional research on MRI safety. To ground the evaluation of best practice, the findings from this search of the research and commentary were compared and contrasted to the sixteen sections of the most recent MRI safety guidelines in Australia, the RANZCR MRI Safety Guidelines. 1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that has attracted widespread interest and is now routinely ordered by physicians worldwide to aid in the visualization and detection of a range of abnormalities (Vymazal, Rulseh, Keller & Janouskova, 2012, p. 619).

The technique is also increasingly used in non-diagnostic ways such as for the planning of radiotherapy and for purposes that are not strictly medical, such as the use of fMRI for legal determinations and literacy development (Skene, Wilkinson, Kahane, & Savulescu, 2009, p.245; Hoey, Mankad, Al-Chalabi & Rosa, 2013, p. 107). MRI, based on the movement of water particles and high-powered magnets, is generally considered a safer imaging technique compared to modalities reliant on ionizing radiation, such as Computed Tomography (CT) (Pluto et al 2011, p. 1277). However, it has been emphasized that there exist a number of characteristics of MRI which pose potential risks to the patient and the clinicians (Dulbridge 2011, p. 827). The issue is that there is a risk that the safety of MRI is overlooked.

This is especially an issue as the number and nature of MRI procedures are exponentially expanding. Concerns about MRI safety and neither new nor unfounded. While in Australia there have been no reported adverse effects of MRI on personnel, the situation concerning patients is more difficult to accurately ascertain (The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, 2007, p. 18). The following four incidents in the United States highlight the dangers. In 1989, negligence involving MRI was found to have been the cause of death in a patient with a pacemaker (Ng, Ahmad, Nizam & Abdullah, 2003 p. 2). In 1992, negligence involving MRI was found to be the cause of death in a patient with an intracranial aneurysm clip (Ng et al, 2003, p. 2). In 1993, negligent use of MRI was found to cause double vision to a patient due to metal objects being placed near the patient's eye (Ng et al, 2003, p. 2).

In 1995, a patient's finger was severely burnt to require a skin graft due to the negligent attachment of a pulse oximeter (Ng et al, 2003, p. 2). And in 2001, a six-year-old boy was killed as the powerful magnetic forces of an MRI propelled a ferromagnetic oxygen canister through the MR room resulting in severe trauma to crushing the patient's cranial area (Ng et al, 2003, p.2; Debride, 2011, p. 822). Aims of the research project The primary objective of this research study is to scrutinize the best practices in MRI safety. As part of this aim, the project attempts to identify areas of debate concerning MRI safety.