home
RSS
October 26th, 2011
06:01 PM ET

Don't get hurt by an MRI

MRI machines allow doctors to see inside your body and diagnose what’s wrong with you, but if mistakes are made, they can hurt or even kill you.

“If administered properly, it’s one of the safest exams that have ever been invented,” says Tobias Gilk, an MRI safety advocate.

But accidents do happen.

“Most errors are a combination of human error and bad timing,” says Dr. Emanuel Kanal, a professor of radiology and neuroradiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Faulty training and lax rules about who can be around the machine also contribute.

There are four main ways MRI machines can pose dangers.

Projectiles:
The M in MRI stands for magnetic, and  magnets are very powerful.

Gilk’s website, mrimetaldetector.com, shows photos of metal objects, including a bed, a floor polisher and a chair forced against the MRI machine.

If someone is being scanned when these devices fly into a machine, they could face serious injuries. A child in New York was killed in 2001 when the MRI machine sucked an oxygen canister into the machine where he was being scanned.

“Projectiles usually happen when there are breakdowns in policies and procedures and proper training wasn’t performed,” says Frank Shellock, an adjunct clinical professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Southern California. He points out that MRI magnets don’t just turn on when they are scanning. They are always energized and there is no visual cue the magnetic field is present. Newer MRI machines can be even more powerful.

Burns:
MRIs use RF transmitters and those can cause heat. “Burns happen, usually because a patient wasn’t prepared properly,” Shellock says. “Usually this is related to misuse of equipment.”

“Generally it is supposed to be gentle, like a heat lamp,” says Gilk. “If there are electrical conductors like an EKG lead (on the body) it becomes an antenna and can pick up the RF and concentrate it.”

Touching the side walls of the MRI tunnel can also lead to burns, Shellock says. MRI operators should put material between the patient and the wall if there is a risk of the patient coming in contact with it. Some burns have been so severe patients have required skin grafts.

Hearing loss:
MRI machines can be quite loud.

Gilk compares getting a scan to standing near a  jet aircraft. He says patients and anyone else near the machine should be given adequate earplugs or protective earphones.

“Scanner technology is improving and machines are getting quieter,” Gilk says, but “anyone in the room could get hearing loss.”

Implants and medical devices:
People with metal in their bodies, including medical devices like aneurysm clips and pacemakers, can face increased risks. The MRI’s powerful magnetic fields could move the device or cause damage.

“Most medical device manufacturer's products made in the last five years will be OK,” says Gilk. But, “if, for example, you had an aneurysm clip that is 15 years old, you should be particularly cautious.”

Shellock says he has studied 3,500 implant devices over about the last 25 years and the devices that are labeled as appropriate for use in an MRI should be fine.

In addition to the medical metal inside the human body, some patients require external devices to keep them alive or monitor their condition. Those devices need to be specifically designed to function around an MRI.

The federal government doesn’t regulate the use of MRIs and state regulations for the machines vary.

“Many states have more stringent requirements for hair colorists than who runs an MRI center,” Gilk says.

So what can patients do to make sure they are safe when they get an MRI?

1. Fill out MRI questionnaire: “Patients should fill out a screening form and ask the MRI technologist if they have questions,” Shellock says. It’s important that patients go over the questions with the technician to make sure they understand what is being asked.

Kanal says honest answers are essential. He gives the example that a patient might not want to reveal they have a wig, but it’s important for the operator to know.

Details about any metal that may be in the body, including bullets, medical devices like aneurysm clips, stents or pacemakers should also be shared with the operator.

2. Remove metal: Since magnetic metal poses such a risk in an MRI, it is essential patients and anyone near the MRI remove it.

3. Use hearing protection: Make sure you and anyone else in the room with you are given proper ear protection and make sure it fits.

4. Look for open doors: MRI facilities should be secure. Gilk says open doors could be a sign the facility isn’t as careful about access as it should be.

5. Look for wires: Make sure there are no unexpected wires or metallic objects like left over EKG sensors on your body. Some devices may be safe for an MRI, but others can be dangerous.

6. Don’t touch the side walls: Coming in contact with the inside of the MRI tube can lead to burns.


soundoff (3,781 Responses)
  1. Mercedes Benz Sprinter Repair Shops Near Me

    https://www.dinersclubcard.ru/bitrix/rk.php?id=48&event1=banner&event2=click&event3=1+/+%5B48%5D+%5BMAIN_BOTTOM%5D+Diners+Club+Privileges&goto=https://fleetservicesocrv.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 14:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Van Technician

    http://firstfedsports.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetrepairshops.com

    June 21, 2021 at 15:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Sprinter Van Frame Repair Shop Near Me

    I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you postÖ

    https://securityphresh.com/security-news.php?sp_url=http://commercialrepairshop.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Mercedes Benz Sprinter Service Centers Near Me

    Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a really good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I put things off a whole lot and don't manage to get nearly anything done.

    https://mp.weixinbridge.com/mp/wapredirect?url=https://sprinterrepairnearme.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. RV Repairs Nearby

    http://www.emporiumshopping.com/go.php?url=rvcollisionrepairpaintshop.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Sprinter Repair Shops Near Me

    http://blimptrailers.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=oc-rv.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. RV Mobile Repair Service Near Me

    http://www.calidogs.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.info

    June 21, 2021 at 16:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. RV Camper Repair Near Me

    I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!

    http://www.rms-republic.com/cgi-bin/jump/frame.cgi?url=ocrv.us&referer=ocrv.us

    June 21, 2021 at 17:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Freightline Sprinter Repair

    This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!

    https://www.maultalk.com/url.php?to=https://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 17:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Beauty Fashion

    It's my belief that mesothelioma is most dangerous cancer. It has unusual features. The more I really look at it a lot more I am confident it does not conduct itself like a real solid tissue cancer. If perhaps mesothelioma can be a rogue viral infection, hence there is the potential for developing a vaccine and offering vaccination to asbestos uncovered people who are vulnerable to high risk regarding developing potential asbestos linked malignancies. Thanks for discussing your ideas about this important ailment.

    https://www.kayswell.com

    June 21, 2021 at 17:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. RV Repair Around Me

    http://franchisedynamics.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.tv

    June 21, 2021 at 17:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. RV Repair Santa Ana

    http://mipuntomusical.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvmotorsports.biz

    June 21, 2021 at 18:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Van Body

    https://secure.duoservers.com/?lang=en&s_id=123179&rdomain=fleetvehiclerepairshop.com&action=order

    June 21, 2021 at 18:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Sprinter Repair Shops Near Me

    http://pakalawai.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.art

    June 21, 2021 at 18:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. RV Mobile Repair Service Near Me

    Hi! I could have sworn Iíve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the posts I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím certainly delighted I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

    http://spinalcord.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvmotorsports.info

    June 21, 2021 at 18:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. aldi near me

    http://www.showerfilters4less.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=earme.a2hosted.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 19:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Van Mechanic

    A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. There's no doubt that that you ought to publish more on this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not speak about these topics. To the next! Best wishes!!

    http://rinex.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetservicesocrv.com

    June 21, 2021 at 20:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. RV Glass Repair Near Me

    The next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you can fix if you weren't too busy searching for attention.

    http://burelli.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.world

    June 21, 2021 at 20:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. 24 Hour RV Repair Near Me

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!

    http://nexeurope.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvmotorsports.us

    June 21, 2021 at 21:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. dine in restaurants near me

    https://modesty.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=earme.a2hosted.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 21:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Emergency RV Repair Near Me

    I'm very happy to discover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every bit of it and I have you book-marked to check out new things in your blog.

    https://anolink.com/?link=https://ocrvart.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 21:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Luxury Rv

    Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a very good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and don't seem to get anything done.

    http://www.kissarmy.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.fleetrepairshops.com

    June 21, 2021 at 21:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Rv Body Shop

    http://www.e-learningpartner.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.sprintervanrepair.com

    June 21, 2021 at 22:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Nearby RV Repair

    After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you can remove me from that service? Thank you!

    http://www.homewakaba.com/@home_wakaba/feed2js/feed2js.php?src=http://orangecountyrvrepair.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 22:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Gmc Luxury Van Repair Shop

    http://kkm.tempest.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrvfleetservices.com

    June 21, 2021 at 22:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Collision Repair

    http://www.rms-republic.com/cgi-bin/jump/frame.cgi?url=sprintervanrepairnearme.com/&referer=sprintervanrepairnearme.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 23:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. RV Repair Places Near Me

    Can I simply just say what a comfort to discover a person that actually knows what they're talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must look at this and understand this side of the story. It's surprising you aren't more popular because you most certainly have the gift.

    http://sellingsecret.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvexperts.com

    June 21, 2021 at 23:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. RV Repairs Nearby

    http://dpwconsultants.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.biz/

    June 22, 2021 at 00:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. purpose training

    This page definitely has all the information and facts I wanted about this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://vianordovest.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=realchrisburns.com

    June 22, 2021 at 00:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. RV Repair Fountain Valley

    http://incubus.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=orangecountyrvrepair.com

    June 22, 2021 at 01:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. pharmacepticacom

    anti-malaria drug chloroquine https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 01:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Van Technician Shop Near Me

    http://eznetqc.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=commercialvanrepairshop.com

    June 22, 2021 at 01:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. RV Repair Orange County

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I'm hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now 😉

    http://obitsarchives.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.org

    June 22, 2021 at 02:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. pharmaceptica

    hydroxychlorophine https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 02:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. goal setting group

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is also very good.

    http://charter-tough.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=masteringthemanwithin.com

    June 22, 2021 at 02:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. RV Appliance Repair Near Me

    http://www.activecabarete.com/links/index.php?https://ocrvmotorcoachsales.com

    June 22, 2021 at 02:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Van Conversion Shop Near Me

    Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I'm going to revisit once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

    http://www.plantman.co.nz/ra.asp?url=https://ocrvfleetservices.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 03:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. executive training online

    This excellent website truly has all of the information I needed concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://www.cinema1.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.realchrisburns.com

    June 22, 2021 at 03:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. RV Repairs Nearby

    http://lcy.qcbank.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvparts.com

    June 22, 2021 at 03:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. RV Repair Shops Near Me

    http://tradext.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=rvcollisionrepairpaintshop.com

    June 22, 2021 at 03:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. executive membership

    http://industrialskills.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.realchrisburns.com

    June 22, 2021 at 04:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. strategic group

    https://ism3.infinityprosports.com/ismdata/2009100601/std-sitebuilder/sites/200901/www/en/tracker/index.html?t=ad&pool_id=1&ad_id=112&url=https://realchrisburns.com

    June 22, 2021 at 04:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. RV Trailer Repair Near Me

    http://www.delycam.com/go.php?url=https://ocrvmotorsports.org

    June 22, 2021 at 05:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Custom Paint Shop

    http://www.bigblackbootywatchers.com/cgi-bin/sites/out.cgi?id=booty&url=https://sprintervanrepairnearme.com

    June 22, 2021 at 05:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Mercedes Luxury Van Repair Shop

    http://automationzone.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.fleetservicesorangecounty.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 05:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Sprinter Service Repair

    http://www.studnz.co.nz/ra.asp?url=https://customcampervans.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 05:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. RV Repair Parts Near Me

    This site definitely has all the info I wanted about this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://fusopartsdirect.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrv.info/

    June 22, 2021 at 06:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Sprinter Van Repair Shop Near Me

    http://www.kennel-makalali.de/gbook/go.php?url=https://commercialrepairshop.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 06:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. RV Repair Near Me Now

    http://directedperception.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvmotorsports.net/

    June 22, 2021 at 06:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Rv Upgrades

    http://discover-a-passion.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=customcampervans.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 07:06 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

Leave a Reply to 2007 Sprinter Rear Heater Repair


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.