2024 ACR Manual on MR Safety Released!

June 25th, 2024

The American College of Radiology -

2024 Manual on MR Safety

- Recent Update to the Established Safety Standard of Care for MRI -

ACR recommends the use of a Caution Barrier at the entrance of the MRI Suite - Provides an Image of TechGate as an example on page 21.

ACR Manual on MR Safety 2024

The latest ACR Manual on MR Safety has been released and includes further clarifications on recommended screening and access control measures. The use of caution barriers at the entrance to the MRI room (photo of TechGate cited as an example of a caution barrier) is recommended.

FMD screening of patients and staff is recommended between Zone 2 and Zone 3.

The ACR Manual on MR Safety is universally accepted as the standard of care for MRI safety and is referenced specifically by state and federal agencies.

Click Here to Download the Latest ACR Manual

Functional Diagram from the 2024 ACR Manual on MR Safety outlining the recommended work flow for patient screening

TechGate versatile mounting options work with outswing or inswing doors on either the left hand or right hand side of the door and with the latest pole mount option can deal with light switches and RF door release buttons.

TechGate Auto MRI Caution Barriers - Replacing Unused Retractable Belts

The magnetic field generated by today’s clinical MRI’s typically range from 30,000 to 60,000 and even up to 140,000 times the strength of Earth’s magnetic field. These incredibly powerful attractive forces can not be turned on and off, meaning these uniquely dangerous conditions are omnipresent within the MRI Suite – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is imperative that the safety solutions utilized to prevent unscreened or inadvertent access to the MRI suite operate ALL the time and are NOT reliant on individual, manual operation.

The TechGate Auto rotates into position AUTOMATICALLY providing the required lighted warning signage and physical barrier across the opening to the MRI suite - dramatically mitigating the risk of projectile accidents. Alternatively, plastic chains and retractable belts require manual clipping and unclipping meaning they are never consistently utilized and do not adequately communicate the risks or conditions within the MRI suite. Lastly, enacting additional manual safety processes on MR technologists further distracts from patient care and imaging procedures - TechGate operates automatically and enhances workflow.

The TechGate Auto MRI caution barrier has become the trusted solution for MRI room access management – a process flow "timeout" and stop check to enhance safe workflow.

Click Here for additional information, photos and videos on the TechGate Auto Caution Barrier

TechGate Auto - It Just Makes Sense!

TechGate Auto is available through Siemens! Add TechGate to your New MRI Project Today!

Recent TechGate Auto Deployment on a New Magnet - Opportunity to Implement Enhanced Safety Procedures

MRI Safety Does Not Improve on Its Own - Changes Are Required

A few quick points to help guide action:

A near miss is not a lucky break but rather a symptom of a flawed process that requires correction.
Safety measures that aren't providing value are wasted efforts - illusions of safety don't prevent adverse events.
Make the right thing to do the easy thing to do and it will get done every time.
Get off on the right foot, new scanners or upgrades offer the chance to implement new safety measures from the start.
False alarms or detection lights DO NOT physically stop anyone from entering the room - caution barriers do!

Click Here for More Information on How Aegys Can Help

Ferromagnetic Detection at the MRI Doorway Is Too Late - Automated Caution Barrier Is the Effective Solution

ACR MRI Safety Committee – White Paper on MRI Safety 2024 Revision Pertaining to the Use of Ferromagnetic Detection and MRI Entrance Caution Barriers

Caution Barrier = Zone 4

FMD = Zone 3

The recently promulgated ACR White Paper on MRI Safety 2024 embodies the consensus recommendations for MRI best safe practices and form the foundation for individual, site – specific protocol establishment. As these recommendations have been established by an esteemed committee of MRI safety professionals and create a framework of guidance for ACR accreditation, the consistent application of these recommendations by the industry coalesce into a widely recognized and accepted standard of care. The recommendations include several provisions related to screening individuals entering the MRI area and, more specifically, the application of Ferromagnetic Detection Systems and warning signage. These provisions essentially recommend the use of detection devices that can differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous objects and the recommended location of screening utilizing these devices is prior to individuals entering Zone 3 (as outlined in the operational schematic from the guidance document). Additionally, the ACR committee recommends adoption of a “timeout” protocol prior to anyone entering Zone 4 and the utilization of “caution barriers” and illuminated warning signage that the “magnet is always on.” Utilization of the TechGate Auto Caution Barrier solution addresses all these Zone 4 access control recommendations. Below are the pertinent sections referenced in the 2020 ACR MR Safety Manual along with page references.

The full ACR Safety Manual can be accessed via the web link here.

The MOST Versatile MRI Handheld Screening Devices Available - Address the Two Biggest Risks in MRI Safety : Burns and Projectiles

Two Solutions in a Single Device
Silent Mode Reduces Audible Alarm Fatigue
Easy To Use - When You Need It
Addresses ACR, Joint Commission, FGI recommendations / requirements for the siting of FMD
Thousands of Units Deployed and Used Daily

MRI Safety Posters - FREE Downloadable MRI Safety Posters made available by the FDA

In partnership with the Society for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT), the FDA has developed a series of posters addressing MRI safety key aspects for MR technologists and other site personnel.

The MRI Burn Prevention poster provides tips for preventing patient burns, the most common MRI related adverse event.

The two other posters address safety issues that arise when medical devices are used in the MR environment. One poster gives tips for scanning patients with implants, and the other poster provides information about how to interpret MRI safety labeling.

All three posters are available for free download below.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FDA DOWNLOAD SITE

Recent TechGate Auto Deployment address Line of Sight and Common Corridor Issues

TechGate Auto - Caution Barrier : Solving MRI Zoning and Line of Sight Issues

Common access corridors adjacent to the MRI room, mixed modalities sharing the same control room or changing areas and lack of direct line of sight from the control room to the MRI entrance highlight MRI safety concerns.

A significant change the 2019 ACR White Paper on MR Safety has implemented is the recommendation for the use of a physical barrier to the MRI room when the door to the MRI room is open. The specific language reads:

“ZONE IV. The entry door to Zone IV (MR system room) should be closed except when it must be open for patient care or room/MR system maintenance. During the times that the door to the MR system room must remain open, a "caution" barrier is recommended at the entry to Zone IV to inhibit unintended passage of personnel and/or materials from Zone III to IV. "

Click here to learn more about the TechGate Auto Caution Barrier Solution

2024 ACR Manual on MR Safety

Zone 3 Podcast - Latest Updated Content

Aegys MRI Safety Solutions Website

2020 ACR Updated MR Patient Screening Form

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