From the October 2013 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
There are many reasons why the shielding degrades over time. Accidental punctures, air pressure, temperature variations, condensation, vibration…, the list is endless. Most importantly, the door seal needs scheduled inspections, cleaning, and adjustment.
Implement a planned maintenance program
Planned Maintenance offers increased confidence and assurance of artifact-free MRI imaging. Include periodic door service with yearly RF shield recertification tests. A certificate of compliance should be issued and displayed in the MRI suite area. It does not have to be the original shielding vendor who provides this service. There are companies who specialize in MRI shielding and the maintenance and repairs of all types of MRI shielding. Confirm that field technicians are very experienced properly trained.
What to do if a shielding compromise is detected
When an MRI shield compromise is suspected, a test can be executed to quantify the performance of the shielding. This testing is much different than a compliance test. Finding leaks is an art and a science. Experience is crucial to a successful outcome. Field technicians use state of the art equipment to test your MRI shield. But the test equipment only measures, it has no cognitive skills. Interpreting measurements and finding leaks effectively, is at times a very difficult task. Multiple compromises are not uncommon in old shields adding to the complexity of the problem. Be certain you are paying an individual who has credentials, training, and many years of experience.
About the author: Michael Profeta has an Electronic Engineering Degree and was part of a group of scientists that pioneered the development and installation of the first Whole Body Cryogenic MRI system in North America. He has spent more than 31 years in the MRI field and now owns and operates Magnetic Resonance Technologies, Inc. an Ohio-based corporation that provides turnkey solutions to MRI projects including MRI shielding and testing.
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