Safety

Article calls into question MRI safety

Hospital Safety Connection, August 24, 2005

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Hospital Safety Connection!

So where does your facility fit into this alarming statistic? A physician estimates that near-miss accidents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites happen once a month.

That figure comes from John Gosbee, director of patient safety information systems at the U.S. Veterans Administration's National Patient Safety Center. Gosbee spoke to The New York Times, which reported on August 19 that MRI accidents have become more frequent as more machines come into use.

The Times looked into the sparse regulations that govern MRI use. MRI machines are potentially dangerous due to their powerful magnets, which can draw metal objects through the air into the machine's core. One such accident killed a child patient in 2001.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Hospital Safety Connection!

    Hospital Safety Center
  • Hospital Safety Center

    Improve compliance with hospital safety standards from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulators with this...

  • Healthcare Life Safety Compliance

    Learn Life Safety Code tips and interpretations for healthcare facilities with this in-depth monthly resource.

  • Hospital Safety Connection

    Stay on top of hospital safety requirements and best practices with our free, fast-paced weekly update.

  • Administering Your OSHA Program

    This course will help an employee new to the role of OSHA safety officer. It gives an overview of OSHA requirements and...

  • Medical OSHA Manual Combo

    Get into compliance with Quality America's OSHA Safety Program Manual and stay in compliance with OSHA Watch Newsletter...

Most Popular

Related Articles