Examination of the pistol led researchers to suggest that, "the gun likely discharged as a result of the effect of the magnetic field on the firing pin block. The firing pin block was probably drawn into its uppermost position by force of the magnetic field. The firing pin block has to overcome only light pressure from a relatively small spring to release the firing pin."

The advice that comes from this incident suggests that warning signs about weapons, at the very least, should be displayed in proximity to MR machines and that "all radiologists should re-examine our own site's screening methods to ensure that steps are implemented to prevent such a situation from ever recurring."


While adoption of MR has been rising steadily over the past several years, frequency of accidents has grown exponentially. To help improve safety protocols, a group of experts formed the American Board of MR Safety last year to standardize MR protocols and create certification standards to distinguish individuals who practice them.

For more on MR safety read "The rules of attraction: Safety in the MR environment" from the September issue of HCB News magazine

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