Pennsylvania Identifies MRI Hazards - Mednovus Products Respond
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority released 2008 MRI accident data, identifying an alarming number of screening 'misses', particularly pacemakers. Mednovus ferromagnetic detection systems help MRI providers identify many ferromagnetic objects and keep them from entering the MRI room where they may jeopardize the safety of patients and caregivers.
Leucadia, CA, April 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- On March 31st, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (PPSA) published an article entitled "Safety in the MR Environment: MR Safety Screening Practices" in their Advisory newsletter (available for download from the Mednovus website at http://www.Mednovus.com/PPSA_MRI.pdf ). The article highlights an alarming number of clinical screening misses, particularly pacemaker devices.
The article also identified a number of external objects, including a knife, belt buckle, and a 'house arrest' ankle bracelet, that were missed during MR screening. These sorts of ferromagnetic objects can be identified and better interdicted through the proper integration of ferromagnetic detection systems with older, traditional MRI screening practices.
"I'm alarmed by this article on two levels," offered Tobias Gilk, President and MRI Safety Director for Mednovus, Inc., "that we're missing so many easily-identified types of implants that are contraindications for MR exams, and that the known number-one risk -- loose ferromagnetic projectiles -- is so profoundly under-represented in this data."
The PPSA article makes reference to a forthcoming piece on projectile risks, but intermingled among the clinical contraindications identified in the March article are a small number of projectile risks. It remains to be seen if there is a distinct group of events which are not presented in the data for the current article that will highlight projectile events and near-misses.
"Mednovus is committed to providing products and services designed to reduce the inherent risks to MRI imaging," said Gilk. "Our SAFESCAN(R) ferromagnetic detection instruments, our consulting services, and our advocacy on behalf of MRI patients and providers, these are all part of our mission."
"We welcome the increased attention that this PPSA article will bring to the issue of MRI safety."
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The article also identified a number of external objects, including a knife, belt buckle, and a 'house arrest' ankle bracelet, that were missed during MR screening. These sorts of ferromagnetic objects can be identified and better interdicted through the proper integration of ferromagnetic detection systems with older, traditional MRI screening practices.
"I'm alarmed by this article on two levels," offered Tobias Gilk, President and MRI Safety Director for Mednovus, Inc., "that we're missing so many easily-identified types of implants that are contraindications for MR exams, and that the known number-one risk -- loose ferromagnetic projectiles -- is so profoundly under-represented in this data."
The PPSA article makes reference to a forthcoming piece on projectile risks, but intermingled among the clinical contraindications identified in the March article are a small number of projectile risks. It remains to be seen if there is a distinct group of events which are not presented in the data for the current article that will highlight projectile events and near-misses.
"Mednovus is committed to providing products and services designed to reduce the inherent risks to MRI imaging," said Gilk. "Our SAFESCAN(R) ferromagnetic detection instruments, our consulting services, and our advocacy on behalf of MRI patients and providers, these are all part of our mission."
"We welcome the increased attention that this PPSA article will bring to the issue of MRI safety."
###
Contact
Mednovus, Inc.
Tobias Gilk
800.788.0617
www.Mednovus.com
Tobias Gilk
800.788.0617
www.Mednovus.com
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