Technologists are well-aware of the possibility of metal
burns from MRI machines. Due to the components of an MRI, all metal must be
removed prior to patients entering Zone III, the space before entering the
scanner room. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to wear face masks in
public indoor areas, including medical procedures. Also, of recent fashion
trends, women have become more prone to use magnetic eyelashes, a beauty
product that is easier to apply and remove. Both have resulted in MRI patient
injuries.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement
warning health care providers that patients might be injured if they wear face
masks with metal parts during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. These
small metal parts are usually found within the nose area or throughout the mask
fabric. Nose clips, wires, ultrafine particles, or antimicrobial coating
(silver or copper) can become hot and burn MRI patients.
This note of caution comes as a patient received burns from
donning a face mask during an MRI. “The FDA is reminding patients and
providers that patients should not wear any metal during an MRI,” according
to the statement issued.
The Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics
issued a report
explaining how magnetic eyelashes are unsafe in an MRI; some lashes can rapidly
become moving projectiles. False eyelashes are placed onto magnetic eyeliner
(applied to eyelids) or discreetly clamp around natural eyelashes. Patients
might forget to mention the eyelashes and MRI technicians might not notice
them.
All medical providers should screen patients for MRI safety.
Tiny metallic objects within face masks or fake eyelashes can easily slide past
an initial assessment. If patients experience burns while wearing face masks,
providers are encouraged to report
the incident to the FDA. Gathered reports help the FDA improve patient
safety.
For more information
regarding the FDA’s warning, read the full report.
The complete journal article pertaining to magnetic eyelashes can be found here.
Acceletronics is an industry leader in
delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT
Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.
Written by
the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.
