DOTmed News: Could even small ferromagnetic objects damage the magnet?

Keene: Although the primary goal of FerroGuard is the safety of the patients and staff of the hospital, if small things get into the magnet, it could result in expensive damage. Sometimes the magnet has to be quenched and there’s downtime and costs associated with that.


I was just in a hospital a month ago and they had something go into a machine and it cost $100,000 to sort it out. Even these small to medium-size accidents can cost the hospital a lot of money, much more than the cost of a FerroGuard System to prevent it from happening in the first place.

DOTmed News: In the U.S., The Joint Commission now requires all new MRI suites to have a ferromagnetic detection system in order to be accredited. Do you offer any additional resources for facilities to ensure MRI safety?

Keene: Metrasens has produced a guide for architects for new MR installation designs. Because of the recognition of the projectile effect hazard, there’s a lot that can be in the design of the MR suite itself to address the issue and make it much safer intrinsically. We’ve just released a guide for architects on our website with drawings and information on how FerroGuard actually works and how it can be optimized in the new MR design. We’re working with architects to try and keep these new facilities as safe as they can possibly be.

More on MRI:

Choosing Wisely: Which RF shielding vendor should you go with?

Technician Tips: Confronting challenges to urban-based MRI facilities



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