Many systems are designed to tackle these issues, being able to detect the presence of objects, even those at the level of door hinges as well as alerting people to a potential problem as they approach the detector from a few feet away.

“Our systems, the way they work, is that they provide you with what we call visual early warning,” says Metrasens’ Roberson. “As you approach the door, it’s like a traffic system. Lights change from green to red at your eye level to show you if you have something that detectors sense.”


Detectors are also now equipped with systems that record and log information of any adverse events that take place so that managers can assess and determine any changes in protocol to ensure safe practices are in place.

"The key of any of these, our product, and frankly, any product in the hospital, is that the hospital implemented policies and procedures to integrate the detector into their system,” says Kopp. “Part of our training is we always state that this is a tool, a tool that will help you lower your risk of a projectile incident. But it won't fix anything.”

Not on its own, anyway.

Ferromagnetic detectors can do a world of good for patient safety in the MR environment, but if facilities really want to cut down on adverse incidents, they need to evaluate the entire culture of the facility from the top down.

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