The role of an L1-Operator at the MRI Facility is critical for ensuring the safety and smooth operation of MRI scans.
By understanding their role and responsibilities as L1-Operators at the MRI Facility through the "MRI Safety Training", operators can contribute to the safe and effective operation of MRI scans, ensuring the highest standards of patient/subject care and safety.
Here are some key points that L1-Operators should be aware of through MRI Safety Training:
- Understanding MRI Safety: Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of MRI safety, including the hazards associated with magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and gradient fields. Learn about the potential risks and contraindications for patients undergoing MRI scans, such as ferromagnetic implants or devices.
- Operating Procedures: Follow strict protocols for ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and equipment during MRI procedures. Adhere to standard operating procedures for patient screening, preparation, and monitoring throughout the scan.
- Patient Screening: Conduct thorough screening of patients to identify any potential risks or contraindications for MRI scanning. Ensure that patients complete and sign MRI screening forms accurately, providing essential information about their medical history, implants, and potential risks
- Equipment Preparation: Prepare MRI equipment and accessories according to established protocols, ensuring that all components are functioning correctly and safely. Verify the absence of ferromagnetic objects and ensure that patients are wearing appropriate clothing and accessories for the scan.
- Subject Assistance: Provide assistance to patients before, during, and after MRI scans, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Communicate effectively with patients, explaining the scanning process, addressing any concerns or questions they may have, and reassuring them about their safety
- Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond promptly and effectively to any emergencies or unexpected events that may arise during MRI scans. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures, including the use of panic buttons, evacuation protocols, and first aid measures
- Communication and Collaboration: Maintain clear communication with other members of the MRI team, including technologists, radiologists, and support staff, to ensure coordinated and efficient workflow. Collaborate with colleagues to address any challenges or issues that may arise during MRI procedures, prioritizing patient safety and well-being
Here are some key points of which L1-Operators should be aware for the preparation of MR subjects:
L1 should inform the participants well in advance (at least 2 days) by providing the MR-Questionnaire about possible issues related to the MR examination, such as:
- Proper clothing (see Scan Rules)
- Claustrophobia (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078817423002067)
- Medical disorders (seizures, diabetic reactions)
- Medical Implants (check Allowed, NOT Allowed and Mabye Allowed scans)
- Injuries (metallic fragments such as bullets, shotgun pellets, and metal shrapnel)
- Patient characteristics (e.g. cultural factors, physical or emotional status)
- Carefully follow all the recommendations and criteria for implants and devices made from electrically-conductive materials (check Allowed, NOT Allowed and Mabye Allowed scans)
- Take (measure) a temperature (it should be < 37.5°C)
- Ask for the participant's exact weight and height at time of MRI (used to calculate the SAR). Use the scale provided in the lab
- L1/L2 should explain the experiment
- L1 should explain the participant to lie completely still during the MRI scan (help the subject to stay comfortable)
- Subject/patient should complete a detailed written MR-screening form
- L1 should review the MR-screening form with the subject and attempt to identify any additional hidden risks, such as visible facial scars or clothing that is unsafe for MRI
- Prepare the couch, head coil, response units and projector
- L1 should explain the function of the panic ball
- L1 should explain the subject to avoid crossing arms or legs because they can create a conductive loop that can cause heating or burns
- L1 should explain the importance of properly using/fitting earplugs (and headphones with the 20Ch Head Coil)
- No unnecessary metallic objects contacting the patient’s skin (e.g., drug delivery patches with metallic components, jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, key chains, etc.)
- Use insulation material (i.e. appropriate padding) to prevent skin-to-skin contact points and the formation of “closed-loops” from touching body parts. Insulating material (minimum recommended thickness, 1-cm) should be placed between the patient’s skin and transmit RF coil that is used for the MR procedure (alternatively, the transmit RF coil itself should be padded)
- No direct contact between the patient’s skin and the transmit RF body coil of the MR system
- Closely monitor the patient during the MR procedure [1]