MRI Equipment and Safety MIMG 1230

​Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the system components of MRI scanners and accessory equipment used in clinical practice and how to respond to changes in the environment. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• magnet systems
• cooling systems
• magnet quench and safety procedures
• cryogen hazards
• main magnet, gradient, radio frequency (RF) and shim coils
• ancillary equipment including power injector, monitoring and biopsy equipment
• Quality Control (QC) equipment and procedure
• Emergency procedures in MRI
• Scanner trouble-shooting procedures
• Describe the health effects associated with various MRI fields, recognize safety hazards and take appropriate action. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Static magnetic field and spatially varying static field
• gradient magnetic field and acoustic noise
• radiofrequency (RF) field and the antenna effect
• bio-effects, hazards and safety protocols associated with magnetic fields
• specific absorption rate (SAR)
• exposure limits for a static, gradient and radiofrequency magnetic fields
• recommended guidelines for pregnant patients and staff
• Safety Code 26
• Emergency procedures in the MRI environment
• Adapting safety practices for equipment
• ​Describe and explain the considerations when installing an MRI system. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Types of MRI scanners
• layout of an MRI facility
• field considerations
• MRI safety zones
• shimming and shielding the magnet
• accident prevention
• data archiving systems
• Describe and employ techniques used to recognize and alleviate claustrophobia and patient discomfort in the MRI environment. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• factors contributing to a patient's claustrophobia, anxiety and discomfort
• techniques used to manage patient comfort
• assess and adapt to individual patient needs
• factors that contribute to positive patient experiences
• building rapport and maintaining a secure environment
• monitor and respond to changing patient conditions
• ongoing informed consent and effective communication
• sedation and anesthesia
• considerations for pediatric patients
• Demonstrate safe screening principles and procedures to determine the suitability of individuals and items entering the MRI environment. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Clinical history review and assessment for discrepancies, contraindications and completeness of patient information
• Adapting communications with patients, family members, support persons and interprofessional team members
• Preparation and screening of all persons entering the MRI room
• Education of risks and safe practices for all persons entering the MRI environment
• Investigations of equipment, implants, objects and devices to determine MRI safe, conditional or unsafe status
• Appropriate action when safety concerns are identified
• Screening documentation process
• Pre and post procedural care instructions for patients and their families
• Describe the considerations for the use of contrast in the MRI environment. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Types of contrast and their effects
• Contraindications to contrast administration
• Calculating appropriate contrast dosage
• Preparing contrast agents
• Methods, routes, equipment, and enhancement of contrast administration
• Recognizing and responding to adverse reactions
• Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)​

Effective as of Winter 2026