Stony Brook University Scan Center - MRI Safety Quiz

1. If your patient complains of a body ache, dizziness or anxiety (including claustrophobia) during the middle of the scan, you should:

Quench the magnet

Press the Emergency Shut Down Button

Talk to your patient and remove them from the magnet if they cannot go on

Ignore their complaints

Routine communication between you and your subject is very important so they know you can hear them if an emergency should arise. The emergency stop button and quench button should only be pressed is a life threatening emergency.

Explanation

Routine communication between you and your subject is very important so they know you can hear them if an emergency should arise. The emergency stop button and quench button should only be pressed is a life threatening emergency.

2. A research volunteer tells you they have been scanned many times for clinical reasons so there is no reason to re-evaluate this subject and they are cleared to enter the scanning room.

True

False

Implants and objects that are cleared for a 1.5T machine does not mean they are cleared for a 3T machine since it is twice the strength. Also some radiological exams resemble the MRI scanner, for example many times patients confuse MRI with CT.

Explanation

Implants and objects that are cleared for a 1.5T machine does not mean they are cleared for a 3T machine since it is twice the strength. Also some radiological exams resemble the MRI scanner, for example many times patients confuse MRI with CT.

3. If the operating computer shut down and unplugged, the magnetic field is off and any materials, regardless for their ferromagnetic qualities can be brought into the scanning room.

True

False

The magnet is always on 24hrs/7days unless a quench has been initiated.

Explanation

The magnet is always on 24hrs/7days unless a quench has been initiated.

4. The major risk of injury or harm due to a magnet quench is:

The boiling off of cryogens that creates an asphyxiating steam

The magnet becomes so warm that it may cause burns to patients in the bore

There is no danger with a quench. It is how we shut down the machine for repair

A blinding flash of light

If a quench occurs, everyone must be removed from the room immediately. The vapors and gases are very cold and can cause frost-bite. They also often condense the moisture in air, creating a highly visible fog that can replace oxygen in the room.

Explanation

If a quench occurs, everyone must be removed from the room immediately. The vapors and gases are very cold and can cause frost-bite. They also often condense the moisture in air, creating a highly visible fog that can replace oxygen in the room.

5. If there is ever a Quench in the scan room instead of the outside environment, you must remove the patient and all staff from the room immediately. What is the safety concerns?

Asphyxiation and frost bite

Explosion

Convulsion

Fire

If a quench occurs, everyone must be removed from the room immediately. The vapors and gases are very cold and can cause frostbite. They also often condense the moisture in air, creating a highly visible fog that can replace oxygen in the room.

Explanation

If a quench occurs, everyone must be removed from the room immediately. The vapors and gases are very cold and can cause frostbite. They also often condense the moisture in air, creating a highly visible fog that can replace oxygen in the room.

6. Who needs to be cleared before they enter the MRI scanning room?

The Research Subject

The Researcher/Research Assistant

Public Safety Officials (Police/Firemen/EMT)

The MRI Technologist

All of the above

None of the above

Because the scanner's magnetic field is always on anyone who steps into the scanning room must be cleared by the SCAN Center's staff. Clearance forms can be found on our web site http://www.psychology.sunysb.edu/scancenter/. Anyone who has not been cleared should stay out of the controlled access areas marked by warning signs.

Explanation

Because the scanner's magnetic field is always on anyone who steps into the scanning room must be cleared by the SCAN Center's staff. Clearance forms can be found on our web site http://www.psychology.sunysb.edu/scancenter/. Anyone who has not been cleared should stay out of the controlled access areas marked by warning signs.

7. The magnetic field is contained entirely in the center of the bore, it does not extend to the outside environment

True

False

All magnets have a fringe field that extends from the center of the magnet. Rooms are shielded as much as possible to contain this field but only people who have been cleared by the SCAN Center should be allowed in the controlled access areas of the center.

Explanation

All magnets have a fringe field that extends from the center of the magnet. Rooms are shielded as much as possible to contain this field but only people who have been cleared by the SCAN Center should be allowed in the controlled access areas of the center.

8. Which of the following is a likely consequence of forgetting to remove your wallet from your pocket before entering the scan room:

There will likely be no adverse consequence

The magnetic stripes on your credit cards and ATM cards are erased

The wallet will heat up and may cause burns

Because the ink on US currency is ferromagnetic, your wallet may become a projectile and fly into the magnet bore

The magnetic field can seriously damage or impair the following personal items:
Cameras, watches, credit and bank cards, hearing aids, hair accessories, belt buckles, shoes and I-pods just to name a few. Please remember to empty ALL of your pockets before entering the scanning room.

Explanation

The magnetic field can seriously damage or impair the following personal items:
Cameras, watches, credit and bank cards, hearing aids, hair accessories, belt buckles, shoes and I-pods just to name a few. Please remember to empty ALL of your pockets before entering the scanning room.

9. What is a Quench?

Total power down of the computer system

How the staff shuts the magnet down after hours, to ensure maximum safety

A rapid boil off of cryogens and ultimate loss of a magnetic field

MR scanners are super cooled with inert gases such as helium. A quench is the rapid boiling off of these cryogens intentionally or unintentionally.

Explanation

MR scanners are super cooled with inert gases such as helium. A quench is the rapid boiling off of these cryogens intentionally or unintentionally.

10. In the event your subject is in some type of medical distress, what is the first thing you should do?

Call 911 and wait for personnel to arrive

Bring the crash cart into the scan room

Nothing

Call 911, remove the patient from the scanning room immediately

Should a condition exist where the patient is having a medical emergency, every effort should be made to remove the patient from the scan room. Once the patient is removed from the MR scan room, close the door to prevent re-entry. If you cannot remove the patient remember the magnet is always on. Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to enter the scan room without proper screening!

Explanation

Should a condition exist where the patient is having a medical emergency, every effort should be made to remove the patient from the scan room. Once the patient is removed from the MR scan room, close the door to prevent re-entry. If you cannot remove the patient remember the magnet is always on. Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to enter the scan room without proper screening!

11.

Before beginning to scan a subject, you should:

Clear the patient of all internal and external metals

Give the subject earplugs and the emergency squeeze ball

Check lines of remote verbal communication with the subject (from the workstation)

All of the answers are true

You must check each subject for contra-indications they might have before allowing them into the scan room. Once the patient is on the table it is very important you get them as comfortable as possible. The MR scanner can produce very high acoustic noise levels that can cause discomfort. Before you start your protocol make sure you open the lines of communication so the patient knows you can hear them in case of an emergency.

Explanation

You must check each subject for contra-indications they might have before allowing them into the scan room. Once the patient is on the table it is very important you get them as comfortable as possible. The MR scanner can produce very high acoustic noise levels that can cause discomfort. Before you start your protocol make sure you open the lines of communication so the patient knows you can hear them in case of an emergency.

12. If a subject says there might be a possibility they could be pregnant but is not 100% sure, they can be scanned.

True

False

A female subject needs to be 100% sure they are NOT pregnant to be scanned at the center.

Explanation

A female subject needs to be 100% sure they are NOT pregnant to be scanned at the center.

13. A subject checks the box that they have tattoos, the next step is to:

Cancel the study, tattoos are never allowed in the scanner

Wrap the tattoo in a cold compress and continue with the study

Nothing, tattoos are fine

Since there have been documented cases of tattoos burning the skin you must let them know there is a small chance of this. At that time they can back out of the study if they want. If they do feel a strange sensation during the scan have them squeeze the emergency ball as soon as possible and apply a cold compress to the area. The study is complete at this time.

Explanation

Since there have been documented cases of tattoos burning the skin you must let them know there is a small chance of this. At that time they can back out of the study if they want. If they do feel a strange sensation during the scan have them squeeze the emergency ball as soon as possible and apply a cold compress to the area. The study is complete at this time.

14. All of the following statements about the magnet of the MRI scanner are true EXCEPT:

The magnetic field is extremely powerful

The fringe field is confined to the magnet bore

The magnet is always on, 24/hrs, 7/days

The magnetic field can extend many feet from the inner bore of the magnet. Rooms are shielded to contain the field as much as possible. Remember the magnet is always on even when a scan is not initiated. The main magnetic field of a 3T system is 60,000 times the earth's magnet field. We must also limit the items that go into the scan room to non-ferrous metals.

Explanation

The magnetic field can extend many feet from the inner bore of the magnet. Rooms are shielded to contain the field as much as possible. Remember the magnet is always on even when a scan is not initiated. The main magnetic field of a 3T system is 60,000 times the earth's magnet field. We must also limit the items that go into the scan room to non-ferrous metals.

15. If a subject squeezes the emergency ball, you:

Press the red stop button and quench the magnet

Stop the scan, turn off the alarm and check in with the subject over the speaker

Stop the scan and run into the room and pull them from the table

Nothing, they probably squeezed the button by mistake

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Explanation

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16. If you are not sure the ferromagnetic qualities of an object you should:

Enter the scanning room slowly until you feel the object start to pull from your grasp

Check it with a hand held magnet

Nothing from the outside can go into the scanning room

The SCAN center has a .7T hand held magnet you can use to check the magnetic susceptibility of an object. If you still have questions please ask the MRI technologist to assist you. The SCAN Center staff has final say on what may or may not be brought into the scanning environment.

Explanation

The SCAN center has a .7T hand held magnet you can use to check the magnetic susceptibility of an object. If you still have questions please ask the MRI technologist to assist you. The SCAN Center staff has final say on what may or may not be brought into the scanning environment.

17. Patients with which of the following prosthetic devices may be safely scanned:

Cardiac pacemaker

History of having metal flakes in the eye

Cochlear implant (inner ear prosthetic device)

Total knee replacement

The following items can NEVER be allowed into the scanning room:
cardiac pacemakers, cochlear (inner ear) implants, ferromagnetic or unidentifiable aneurysm clips of the brain, implanted neuro stimulators, metal or unidentifiable foreign bodies in the eyes, and implanted pumps to deliver medicine that cannot be removed.
If a subject works around metal and cannot say for sure they have never had any metal in their eyes the study should be canceled.

Explanation

The following items can NEVER be allowed into the scanning room:
cardiac pacemakers, cochlear (inner ear) implants, ferromagnetic or unidentifiable aneurysm clips of the brain, implanted neuro stimulators, metal or unidentifiable foreign bodies in the eyes, and implanted pumps to deliver medicine that cannot be removed.
If a subject works around metal and cannot say for sure they have never had any metal in their eyes the study should be canceled.

18. When you turn off the projector you should use the remote to turn off the lights and then wait 2-5 minutes for the fan to cool down the lamp before shutting off the main power

True

False

It is important to use the remote to turn off the lights when turning off the projector because it ensures that the proper sequence of shutting down the equipment is followed. By waiting for 2-5 minutes for the fan to cool down the lamp before shutting off the main power, it allows the lamp to cool down gradually, preventing any potential damage to the projector. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation

It is important to use the remote to turn off the lights when turning off the projector because it ensures that the proper sequence of shutting down the equipment is followed. By waiting for 2-5 minutes for the fan to cool down the lamp before shutting off the main power, it allows the lamp to cool down gradually, preventing any potential damage to the projector. Therefore, the statement is true.

19. While scanning you see an abnormal growth in the brain, you:

Scream and pull the subject out right away

Tell the subject when they are done with the scan that they have something wrong

Nothing, we are not physicians

Make a note of it for the technologist to have a incidental finding read, say nothing to the subject

The correct answer is to make a note of the abnormal growth for the technologist to have it reviewed as an incidental finding, without informing the subject. As a non-physician, it is not the responsibility to immediately inform the subject or take any action. The abnormal growth should be properly evaluated by a medical professional before any conclusions or actions are taken.

Explanation

The correct answer is to make a note of the abnormal growth for the technologist to have it reviewed as an incidental finding, without informing the subject. As a non-physician, it is not the responsibility to immediately inform the subject or take any action. The abnormal growth should be properly evaluated by a medical professional before any conclusions or actions are taken.

20. What does SAR measure?

The length of the scan time

The amount of heat the patient will absorb during the scan

The strength of the fringe field outside the bore of the magnet

All of these answers are correct

Dissipation of the absorbed RF energy is described in terms of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), measured in watts/kg. SAR is calculated by the patient’s weight and the expected increase in body temperature for each imaging pulse sequence. The scanner will calculate how much heat the patient will be absorbed if it is too high the scan will not run.

Explanation

Dissipation of the absorbed RF energy is described in terms of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), measured in watts/kg. SAR is calculated by the patient’s weight and the expected increase in body temperature for each imaging pulse sequence. The scanner will calculate how much heat the patient will be absorbed if it is too high the scan will not run.

21. The emergency shutdown button should be used to immediately cut power to the scanner electrical system in each of the following situations EXCEPT:

Loud popping noises and smoke come from the scanner

Sprinklers go off in scan room, but there is no fire

Scan room fire

The subject in the scanner squeezes the emergency ball

Shutting power to the PDU may be required for life threatening situations such as:
Fire in the computer room, fire, sparks, loud noises emanating from the scan room, flooding or sprinkling system goes off, and catastrophic equipment failure. These reasons should be life threatening. It is important to remember that pressing the emergency stop button shuts the power to the scanner to but the magnetic field is still active.

Explanation

Shutting power to the PDU may be required for life threatening situations such as:
Fire in the computer room, fire, sparks, loud noises emanating from the scan room, flooding or sprinkling system goes off, and catastrophic equipment failure. These reasons should be life threatening. It is important to remember that pressing the emergency stop button shuts the power to the scanner to but the magnetic field is still active.

22. Every subject can choose if they would like to wear ear plugs, head set, both or nothing during the scan. It's up to each individual.

True

False

The MRI scanner produces very high acoustic noise, which can reach excess of 130 DbA. Everyone who is scanned must wear both ear plugs and headset during the exam.

Explanation

The MRI scanner produces very high acoustic noise, which can reach excess of 130 DbA. Everyone who is scanned must wear both ear plugs and headset during the exam.

23. The main hazard of the Static Field is:

Nerve Stimulation

Objects becoming projectiles

Heat Deposition

None of the above

Heat deposition and nerve stimulation are hazards of a varying magnetic field.

Explanation

Heat deposition and nerve stimulation are hazards of a varying magnetic field.

24. You need to assign a scan number, you will need:

The last scan number and then add one

The PI's initals

The last volunteer number

All of the above

To assign a scan number, you will need the last scan number and then add one to it. Additionally, you will need the PI's initials and the last volunteer number. Therefore, all of the above options are required to assign a scan number accurately.

Explanation

To assign a scan number, you will need the last scan number and then add one to it. Additionally, you will need the PI's initials and the last volunteer number. Therefore, all of the above options are required to assign a scan number accurately.

25. If a volunteer states she could be pregnant you should:

Let her know there is no known effects to the fetus and continue the exam

Ignore the information it doesn't matter if she is pregnant or not

Tell her to come back when her first trimester is over

Cancel the exam until she can be sure she is not pregnant

Unless your research patient can say for certain they are not pregnant they cannot go into the scanner until they know for sure that they are not pregnant. If a research subject is pregnant the exam must be canceled regardless of trimester.

Explanation

Unless your research patient can say for certain they are not pregnant they cannot go into the scanner until they know for sure that they are not pregnant. If a research subject is pregnant the exam must be canceled regardless of trimester.

26. To reduce the effects of peripheral nerve stimulation:

Have the subject uncross their extremities

Use immobilization pads

Change the subject out of their street clothes and into a gown

None of the above

When a patient crosses their legs or intertwines their fingers a circuit is formed and it is more likely to cause peripheral nerve stimulation.

Explanation

When a patient crosses their legs or intertwines their fingers a circuit is formed and it is more likely to cause peripheral nerve stimulation.

27. The subject comes in with glasses and cannot see without them, you:

Don't worry about it, just make sure they fit in the coil

Use the MRI safe glasses, just pick any lens

Use the MRI safe glasses, fit them by testing out one at a time

Sorry no glasses can go into the scanner

The glasses are located in bottom left most cabinet

Explanation

The glasses are located in bottom left most cabinet

28. There are two real safety concerns with regard to the magnetic forces and how they interact with ferrous objects. They can be described as which of the following:

Translation and Magnetization of the object

Transverse and Rotation of the object

Translation and Torque of the object

Translation and Mutation of the object

Translation describes the force that attracts ferrous objects to the center of the magnetic field. It is sometimes referred to as the projectile effect. Rotation is the term that relates to the force of the North and South poles and the orientation of the scanner’s magnetic field. Ferrous objects will attempt to align their long axes with this orientation and will rotate until they are aligned with the magnetic field.

Explanation

Translation describes the force that attracts ferrous objects to the center of the magnetic field. It is sometimes referred to as the projectile effect. Rotation is the term that relates to the force of the North and South poles and the orientation of the scanner’s magnetic field. Ferrous objects will attempt to align their long axes with this orientation and will rotate until they are aligned with the magnetic field.

29. Here are the steps to turning off the scanner

Press the system off button, power immediately goes off

Never turn the scanner off

The correct answer suggests that the user should close the subject, go to the system-end session-system shut down, and wait for the scanner to indicate when to switch off the power. This implies that there is a specific process or sequence that needs to be followed in order to safely turn off the scanner. Simply pressing the system off button or turning off the scanner immediately is not recommended. The user should wait for the scanner to give instructions before switching off the power.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that the user should close the subject, go to the system-end session-system shut down, and wait for the scanner to indicate when to switch off the power. This implies that there is a specific process or sequence that needs to be followed in order to safely turn off the scanner. Simply pressing the system off button or turning off the scanner immediately is not recommended. The user should wait for the scanner to give instructions before switching off the power.

30. With regard to metal objects in the scan room:

No metallic objects are allowed in the scan room

Most equipment used in an exam is MRI compatible so there is really no reason to worry about this

Small items like paper clips or hair pins can have a velocity of about 40mph in a 3T environment. Larger objects have even higher velocities and have become fatal. Many types of clinical equipment are ferromagnetic and should never be brought into the scan room. If there is any question a handheld magnet can be used to test if an object is ferromagnetic or not.

Explanation

Small items like paper clips or hair pins can have a velocity of about 40mph in a 3T environment. Larger objects have even higher velocities and have become fatal. Many types of clinical equipment are ferromagnetic and should never be brought into the scan room. If there is any question a handheld magnet can be used to test if an object is ferromagnetic or not.

31.

If an object is considered safe to be used in a 1.5Tesla MR scanner, but has not been tested in a 3Tesla scanner, it should be labeled as:

MR Safe

Not sure, more research should be done

MR Not Safe

Does it matter?

A 3T magnet is double the strength of a 1.5T unit. It is important to remember that objects that are clear for a 1.5T magnet cannot go into a 3T magnet. Mrisafety.com has the largest database of items that are cleared for the 3T environment.

Explanation

A 3T magnet is double the strength of a 1.5T unit. It is important to remember that objects that are clear for a 1.5T magnet cannot go into a 3T magnet. Mrisafety.com has the largest database of items that are cleared for the 3T environment.

32. What is the strength of the scanned at the SCAN Center?

1T

7T

3T

1.5T

We have a Siemens 3T Trio Scanner. 3T machines are double the strength of 1.5T machines. It is important to remember that if an object/implant has been cleared for a 1.5T machine it does not mean it is ok for a 3T machine. Further research must be done.

Explanation

We have a Siemens 3T Trio Scanner. 3T machines are double the strength of 1.5T machines. It is important to remember that if an object/implant has been cleared for a 1.5T machine it does not mean it is ok for a 3T machine. Further research must be done.

33.

What is the unit for measurement of magnetic field strength?

Gauss

Tesla

Both Gauss and Tesla

None of the above

Magnetic fields are measured in units of Gauss or Tesla (1T = 10,000G).

Explanation

Magnetic fields are measured in units of Gauss or Tesla (1T = 10,000G).

34. Which of the following objects are potential projectiles?

Watch

ID badge

Pencil

Clipboard

Some examples of items that can become projectiles are: Scissors, hair clips and bobby pins, tools, paperclips and clapboards.

Explanation

Some examples of items that can become projectiles are: Scissors, hair clips and bobby pins, tools, paperclips and clapboards.

35. In which of the following situations should you push the "Quench" button:

Scan room fire

All of the above

An intentional quench is done in an emergency to run the magnetic field to zero. This is done in extreme emergencies only (ex- a projectile that is pinning a patient against the magnet, injuring them).

Explanation

An intentional quench is done in an emergency to run the magnetic field to zero. This is done in extreme emergencies only (ex- a projectile that is pinning a patient against the magnet, injuring them).

36. Select the ones you like

Option1

Option2

Option3

Option4

The correct answer is Option1. This suggests that out of the given options, Option1 is the preferred choice or the one that is most liked.

Explanation

The correct answer is Option1. This suggests that out of the given options, Option1 is the preferred choice or the one that is most liked.

37. True or false - these are the things you will need to set up the subject on the table:

Correct coil
Knee pad under knees
Ear plugs and/or head set
Vitamin on left side of head
Mirror so they can see the entire projection screen
Emergency ball
Response box (if needed)

True

False

Vitamin should be on RIGHT side of head

Explanation

Vitamin should be on RIGHT side of head

38. After the scan is done you:

Nothing you are done

Leave the scanner on so the technologist can push the images when they are in the office

Push study to KPACS and check all images have transfered

Push study to PACS and check all images have transfered

KPACS is the SCAN Center server, this is the correct answer. PACS is the hospital server, only clinical studies go there.

Explanation

KPACS is the SCAN Center server, this is the correct answer. PACS is the hospital server, only clinical studies go there.

39. Which of the following items must be removed before going into the scanning room?

Sissors

Wallet

Zippers on jeans

Hair pins

Nail polish

Watches

Before going into the scanning room, certain items must be removed for security reasons. These include scissors, as they can be considered a potential weapon. Wallets should also be removed to ensure that they do not interfere with the scanning process or cause any confusion. Hair pins should be taken out as they can set off metal detectors or cause discomfort during the scan. Watches should be removed to avoid any interference with the scanning equipment.

Explanation

Before going into the scanning room, certain items must be removed for security reasons. These include scissors, as they can be considered a potential weapon. Wallets should also be removed to ensure that they do not interfere with the scanning process or cause any confusion. Hair pins should be taken out as they can set off metal detectors or cause discomfort during the scan. Watches should be removed to avoid any interference with the scanning equipment.

Submit

40. Scan numbers look like

Scan number_project ID number_technologist's initals

Scan number_investigator's initials_project ID number

Scan number_subject number_investigator's initals

Project ID number_investigator's initials_your initals

The given answer suggests that the format for scan numbers includes the scan number, subject number, and investigator's initials. This format is likely used to identify and organize scans in a research or medical setting. The inclusion of the subject number helps to differentiate between different individuals or cases, while the investigator's initials provide information about the person responsible for the scan.

Explanation

The given answer suggests that the format for scan numbers includes the scan number, subject number, and investigator's initials. This format is likely used to identify and organize scans in a research or medical setting. The inclusion of the subject number helps to differentiate between different individuals or cases, while the investigator's initials provide information about the person responsible for the scan.