Do Cabinets in MRI Room Need to Be Metal Free?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines utilize strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of the body. The high-powered magnets in MRI machines can attract metal objects with significant force, creating potential safety hazards in MRI rooms. This raises an important question – do cabinets and other fixtures in an MRI room need to be metal-free?

Understanding MRI Magnet Strengths

The magnet inside an MRI machine is always on, generating a strong magnetic field measured in tesla units. High-field MRI scanners have a magnetic strength of 1.5 tesla or higher, with some modern 3T and even 7T MRI scanners being used in hospitals and imaging centers.

These powerful magnets produce a force powerful enough to attract objects made of ferromagnetic metals from a considerable distance away. Any metal in the MRI room, like cabinets or fixtures, must be situated with care to avoid being pulled forcefully towards the machine.

Risks of Metal Objects in MRI Rooms

Loose metal objects pose significant risks in MRI environments. The MRI’s magnetism can accelerate them to high speeds, transforming them into dangerous projectiles. Metal objects like tools, equipment, or furniture with metal components can cause injury or damage if they become missiles near the scanner.

Additionally, the magnetic field can disrupt medical devices like pacemakers or infusion pumps. Metal implants or foreign bodies in patients can also heat up or move due to magnetism. Careful control of metals in the MRI suite is essential for safety.

Meeting Safety Standards With Metal-Free Fixtures

Patient safety should be the top priority when designing and outfitting an MRI suite. To avoid problems, regulatory standards dictate that furniture and fixtures in MRI rooms must be non-magnetic and metal-free.

The American College of Radiology’s MRI safety guidelines specify that moveable objects like carts, cabinets, and shelving must be non-ferromagnetic to be safely used in Zone IV – the region immediately surrounding the MRI scanner.

Outfitting the MRI room with non-metallic components made of materials like wood, plastic, or fiberglass can help facilities meet safety objectives. Metal-free cabinets and casework avoid magnetic issues altogether in high-field MRI environments.

Key Considerations for Metal-Free MRI Room Cabinets

While removing metals from cabinets and fixtures prevents magnetic attraction risks, non-metallic casework also needs to meet other important criteria to work well in an MRI setting:

• Non-magnetic hardware: Hinges, latches, and other hardware must be non-magnetic. Plastic or brass components are ideal.
• RF shielding: Cabinets should have RF shielding to contain radiofrequency signals from the MRI.
• Cleanable materials: MRI rooms require frequent cleaning and disinfection, so casework needs washable, fluid-resistant surfaces.
• Durability: Heavy usage and moisture in MRI suites demand durable designs that can withstand wear and tear.
• Coordination with facility requirements: Components like drawers, shelves, and locks should be customized to suit workflow needs.

Best Practices for Outfitting an MRI Room

Follow these best practices when equipping an MRI room to promote safety and optimal function:

• Conduct a thorough ferromagnetic scan of the room before siting the MRI, removing any unnecessary metals.
• Position wood or plastic furnishings at a safe distance from the scanner.
• Verify all casework and fixtures are properly shielded against radio waves.
• Select high-quality metal-free cabinets tailored for MRI environments.
• Develop standardized protocols for checking furnishings and accessories for metals.
• Use non-magnetic tools and equipment specially designed for MRI rooms.
• Train staff thoroughly on MRI safety practices.
• Perform test scans to confirm furnishings do not impact image quality.

Conclusion

Patient safety is too important to overlook in high-powered MRI environments. By taking steps to provide meticulously metal-free and magnetically inert cabinets and furnishings, facilities can outfit MRI rooms that avoid risks and deliver excellent diagnostics. With careful planning and rigorous safety protocols, radiology departments can employ state-of-the-art, high-field MRI technology with confidence.