MRI Safety: What Every Technologist Needs to Know

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite is one of the most powerful—and potentially dangerous—areas in any healthcare facility. As we head into the backend of 2025, new technologies, updated guidelines, and increasing patient complexity demand that MRI technologists stay vigilant, informed, and proactive. Whether you're a veteran tech or newly certified, here's what you must know to stay ahead in MRI safety.

The Magnet is Always On: A Timeless Reminder

It’s easy to become desensitized to the power of the MRI magnet—but the risks remain deadly. The 1.5T or 3T magnet in your scanner is hundreds of times more powerful than a refrigerator magnet and never turns off (except in a quench).

Key Refreshers:

• Never let staff or patients enter Zone IV without proper screening.

• Ferromagnetic items—even small ones—can become lethal projectiles.

• Always monitor equipment updates; something previously labeled "MRI Safe" may not be under newer standards.

ACR Guidance Updates and What They Mean for You

The American College of Radiology (ACR) continues to evolve its MRI Safety Manual. The 2024 updates—impacting policies into 2025—emphasize:

• Formal designation of MRI Safety Officers (MRSO) and MRI Medical Directors (MRMD)

• Annual safety training for all personnel entering Zones III & IV

• Increased emphasis on point-of-care device clearance protocols

• Mandatory written policies for managing high-risk implants and screening failures

💡 Tip: Ensure your facility has updated internal protocols to match ACR 2024 standards—don’t rely on memory alone.

Pediatric and Geriatric Considerations Are Now Standard

Patients are living longer, and more pediatric imaging is being performed without sedation.

That means more patients with:

• Cochlear implants

• Programmable VP shunts

• Joint replacements

• Cardiac devices with ambiguous MR labeling

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Best Practice: Create a “red flag checklist” for front-line screening and empower technologists to escalate any unclear situations to the radiologist and/or MSRO.

Implants and Devices: Clearance Is More Complex Than Ever

More implants are labeled “MR Conditional,” but that doesn’t mean “MR Safe.”

Key Considerations:

• Conditional labels come with strict requirements (field strength, SAR limits, scan duration, etc.).

• Be cautious of multiple implants—clearance may be valid for each individually but unsafe together.

• Always cross-check with the Manufacturer Guidelines or the ASTM F2503 database.

💡Bonus Resource: Tools like MRI Safety.com and the RSNA RadInfoHub app are invaluable for on-the-spot guidance.

Cognitive and Psychological Safety: A Growing Concern

Claustrophobia, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive decline impact a growing number of patients undergoing MRI.

Best Practices:

• Pre-scan coaching and audio samples

• Noise-reduction headsets or music

• Mirror glasses for bore depth illusion

• Consider shorter sequences when possible

• Never downplay a patient’s anxiety—they may withhold symptoms if they feel brushed off.

 Zone Management & Ferromagnetic Detection: Still Underutilized

Zone III breaches still remain one of the most frequent 2025 MRI safety failures in U.S. hospitals.

Top Mistakes to Fix:

• Lack of signage or door interlocks between Zone II and Zone III

• Non-MRI staff entering Zone III without retraining

• Using conventional carts, wheelchairs, or oxygen tanks

• Not installing ferromagnetic detection systems when recommended

💡 Safety Tip: Walk your Zones weekly. You’ll be surprised what slips in unnoticed—like janitor equipment, toolboxes, or stray IV poles.

Continuing Education: MRSO Certification Is No Longer Optional

Facilities are under more pressure to meet The Joint Commission (TJC) and ACR requirements. As of 2025, many hospitals will require:

• At least one certified MRSO per facility or shift

• Annual documentation of MRI safety competencies

• Mock safety drills for projectile emergencies or quench procedures

💡 Tip: If you haven’t already, consider taking the ABMRS MRSO exam—this certification boosts your credibility and can open new leadership roles.

Final Checklist: MRI Tech Safety Priorities for 2025

1. Update and document MRI safety training for all departments.

2. Double-check all implants, and don’t rely on verbal confirmation alone.

3. Escalate uncertain situations—never feel pressured to “just scan them.”

4. Protect Zones III & IV like your life (and theirs) depends on it.

5. Conduct monthly safety audits and practice emergency scenarios.

6. Bookmark critical safety resources on your workstation and mobile device.

7. Prioritize patient comfort, especially in vulnerable populations.

The Takeaway

MRI safety isn’t just policy—it’s a mindset. As technology advances and patient populations become more complex, MRI technologists remain the front line of defense. You are the gatekeeper, the expert, and the advocate. Let 2025 be the year you take ownership of safety like never before.

Need help with MRI safety. Reach out to Brandon Pascual, BS, RT(MR)(ARRT), MRSO(MRSC) our Senior Clinical Sales Manager here.