Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines are essentially very large medical devices that can take detailed scans of the inside of the body. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to pick up images inside the body.
If you need to look at tissue inside the body, an MRI scan is usually what you need. Often used to look inside the brain and other vital organs, MRI’s can show us a much clearer picture of what’s going on inside our bodies.
However, there are some risks with their use…
Risks associated with MRI scans
MRI machines are essentially giant magnets; a thousand times stronger than a fridge magnet. From watching popular medical TV series’ like House and Casualty, you may be aware that nothing magnetic should be brought into the MRI room. Metal in furniture, jewellery or even hip replacements could cause problems when the MRI machine is switched on.
Only last year, one man who underwent a successful scan was transferred onto a metal bed but was accidentally wheeled back into the room. The powerful magnet dragged the bed towards it until three members of staff managed to carry him off the bed. The metal bed was crushed into a heap against the machine.
Thankfully no one was injured, but the incident identifies a very real risk of harm when using MRIs. When considering the potential cancer-causing scans like X-rays and CT scans, the MRI machine seems relatively safe; but as recognised in this case, there is a still a very real danger of immediate harm.
It really comes down to medical staff getting the basics right!
Measures need to be taken
Whilst horrific accidents make headlines, near-misses may go unreported; even in the hospital health and safety records. Technicians need to be trained and certified to use such potentially dangerous machinery.
Hospitals need to carry out risk assessments regularly. If near-misses go unreported, we are essentially waiting for an injury or fatality before action is taken.
Hospitals have an utmost duty to care for their patients; not only in their health and natural ailments but also in treatment and care provided.
Image Source:
https://media.defense.gov/2011/Jan/11/2000294045/-1/-1/0/110105-F-7367Y-007.JPG
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