Clinical screening

To avoid potential health hazards in the MR environment, personnel and patient screening procedures should be established in your imaging facility. Every person working or entering the magnet room or adjacent rooms with a magnetic field needs to be instructed about the dangers. This should include all MR workers, maintenance, service, and cleaning personnel, as well as the local fire station team.

All MR workers need careful assessment prior to engaging in operation of the MR system. Additionally, all patients undergoing the MR examination need careful assessment prior to the procedure. Screening helps identify anything that might create a health risk or interfere with MR imaging. It also assists you in determining if the patient has any specific needs or limitations. Additionally, if another person accompanies the patient undergoing the MR examination, they should be screened and managed in the same manner as the patient. The aim of screening is to safely obtain high-quality images so an accurate diagnosis can be made. Maintaining a controlled and safe environment can be achieved by careful questioning patients, visitors/family members and all personnel.

A documented screening procedure should be followed by a review of the completed form and a verbal conversation to verify the form information and provide the patient time to express his or her questions or concerns. The review and discussion should be conducted by MR safety-trained personnel to ensure there is no miscommunication about the MR safety issues.

A written screening form must be completed each time a patient is to have an MR examination. Even if the patient undergoing previous MR examinations and/or has completed the screening form previously, does not assure the patient another safe examination.