The 2005 Australian MRI safety survey

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety is critical, particularly for patients with implanted medical devices.
• Published guidelines exist to ensure safe MRI practices, but adherence varies globally.
• Understanding current practices in Australia is essential for identifying areas of improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current MRI safety protocols in Australian facilities.
• To evaluate adherence to guidelines for patients with permanent pacemakers, temporary pacing wires, cerebral aneurysm clips, and implants of unknown MRI safety status.
• To examine the use of metal detectors and safety information collection methods.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to over 100 MRI facilities across Australia.
• Ninety-two responses were received, representing 102 MRI systems.
• Data collected focused on specific safety practices and guideline adherence.

Main Results:

• Inadvertent imaging of patients with permanent pacemakers occurred at approximately 1 in 15 sites, with one fatality.
• Incomplete use of modified request forms for MRI safety information was reported (48/90 facilities).
• Most sites image patients with aneurysm clips (71/91) but require written identification (70/71); delays due to unknown implant status are common (77/90); routine metal detector use is rare (4/92).

Conclusions:

• Vigilance is crucial to prevent unsafe MRI scans in patients with pacemakers, especially when patient information is unreliable.
• Mandating referring physicians to provide comprehensive MRI safety information can mitigate risks.
• Enhancing safety processes through external audits and consistent guideline adherence is recommended.