JC MRI Staff Questions

Question 1

How do we handle patients who are claustrophobic, anxious, or are in emotional distress?

Answer 1

Reassure patient, Explain MRI procedure thoroughly and let them know you will be close by and in constant communication with them VIA call bell, visual supervision, and intercom. Offer eye mask

Question 2

What is our process for urgent or emergent care in MRI? ie. code blue in scan room

Answer 2

patient to be removed from zone IV (scan room) for all emergency care. No code blue or emergency equipment in zone IV

Question 3

How do we handle patients with medical implants or devices, or embedded metal?

Answer 3

Patients are screened in writing with MRI questionnaire and then verbally by a technologist. All implants are researched by an MRI technologist for MRI clearance. Safety committee and or radiologist is available for review or clarification as needed.

Question 4

How do we protect our patients from acoustic noise in MRI?

Answer 4

We provide ear plugs and a headset.

Question 5

What is our process for restricting access to zone III and IV?

Answer 5

Non MRI personnel must be clear by MRI staff and review and sign log book

Question 6

What MRI safety near misses has CCHS had? What did we do to prevent them from happening again?

Answer 6

Incident with student bringing a hemostat into MRI scan room. New student sign-in procedure was established at all sites. Personal belonging lockers were installed at all sites.

Question 7

How would you prevent thermal injury to the patient?

Answer 7

Monitor SAR, avoid skin contact with bore (sponges), patient avoids crossing arms and legs, no loops in coil cables

Question 8

When would you quench the magnet?

Answer 8

Only when there is imminent danger to patient, staff member or visitor

Question 9

What are the risks if you quench the magnet?

Answer 9

Uncontrolled release of cryogen. If venting system fails, there is danger of asphyxiation, ear drum rupture and/or frostbite. Also risk of damage to room or equiptment

Question 10

How often are the acquisition monitors tested

Answer 10

Annually

Question 11

Does staff perform quality control on the scanners? If so what? How often?

Answer 11

Weekly. ACR phantom testing and evaluation

Question 12

What would you do if the quality control tests were out of range?

Answer 12

Repeat test. If still out of range call clinical engineering and supervisor

Question 13

How often are scanners inspected by the physicist?

Answer 13

Anually

Question 14

How often is preventative maintenance performed on the scanner?

Answer 14

Siemens: quarterly. Philips: semi-annually

Question 15

Where is your contrast stored? Is it locked?

Answer 15

In cabinet and yes it is locked

Question 16

How do you label medications (contrast) when it is removed from its original container?

Answer 16

All medication removed from its original container is labeled with patient ID, DOB, contrast type/amount, date and time dawn with expiration date and time. tech initials

Question 17

Are all your supplies disposable? Do any supplies have to be returned to sterile processing?

Answer 17

All supplies are disposable

Question 18

How often are you trained in MRI safety?

Answer 18

annually