PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA--Magnetic resonance (MR) scanners present a unique set of safety risks for healthcare facilities. The space around an MR scanner is a potentially dangerous environment. Ferromagnetic objects can become deadly projectiles, device cables can cause patient burns, and medical equipment can malfunction. ECRI (www.ecri.org), an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, recently published updated guidance to help MR facilities protect their patients, staff, and equipment. The in-depth article in ECRI's Health Devices journal provides updates on device marking terminology, safety consequences associated with purchasing a 3-tesla (T) MR system, and acceptable equipment use in the MR environment.

In this supplement to ECRI's December 2001 Guidance Article, "The Safe Use of Equipment in the Magnetic Resonance Environment," ECRI offers guidance to help healthcare facilities understand the new device-marking terminology issued by the American Society of Testing and Materials International for designating whether a device is safe for use in the MR environment. In addition, ECRI details MR safety practices recommended by the American College of Radiology, reviews safety issues hospitals need to be aware of when purchasing the more powerful 3T MR systems, and includes an updated Starter List of medical device models that are marketed to be safe to use in the MR environment. Additionally, the issue addresses the use of ferromagnetic detection systems (a type of metal detector) as a screening tool and the selection of fire extinguishers for use in the MR environment.

All issues of Health Devices, ECRI's flagship publication for healthcare technology decision makers, include a section derived from ECRI's International Problem Reporting System. Articles in this section cover medical device hazards investigated by ECRI and contain specific recommendations to help healthcare facilities minimize risks. The October 2005 Problem Reporting section describes a case of a difficult-to-detect misconnection between a bipolar pacing catheter and a pacing cable; the misconnection caused the patient to be improperly paced.
For nearly 35 years, Health Devices has featured comparative, brand-name evaluations of medical devices and systems based on extensive laboratory testing and clinical studies. ECRI's evaluations focus on the safety, performance, efficacy, and human factors design of specific medical devices and technologies. Along with ECRI's test results and ratings, published evaluations include a technology overview, guidance on selecting appropriate devices and using them safely, and discussions of relevant topics, such as cost containment, equipment management, and adherence to standards. Health Devices also features in-depth guidance articles on healthcare technology management topics.

For information on purchasing single or bulk copies of the October 2005 issue of Health Devices, or for more information about membership, contact ECRI by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891; by e-mail at communications@ecri.org; by fax at (610) 834-1275; by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by visiting www.ecri.org. ECRI's European office can be contacted at info@ecri.org.uk, ECRI's Asia-Pacific office can be contacted at s.e.asia@ecri.org; and ECRI's Middle Eastern office can be contacted at middleeast@ecri.org.

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