DB 2007(03) Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use

These guidelines cover important aspects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment in clinical use, with specific reference to safety. They are intended to:

• bring to the attention of those involved with the clinical use of such equipment important matters requiring careful consideration before purchase and after installation of equipment
• be an introduction for those who are not familiar with this type of equipment and act as a reminder for those who are
• act as a reminder of the legislation and published guidance relating to this equipment
• draw the attention of the users to the guidance published by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), its successor the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

The topics covered are:

• The hazards in MR
• Exposure limits and guidance
• Management of MR units
• Equipment Management
  

These guidelines are written primarily for healthcare providers but they are valid for other organisations using MRI equipment in clinical applications. They will have some relevance to users of laboratory MR equipment.

Changes in this edition
We have incorporated updates to standards, guidance and legislation as well as feedback from users of this document.  To make the document clearer we have also introduced new formatting.

Please note: This document used to appear under the ‘Other device safety guidance’ section of our website under the title 'Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Equipment in Clinical Use'. It has now been reclassified as a Device Bulletin. 

If you have any queries about the content of this document please contact David Grainger on: david.grainger@mhra.gsi.gov.uk

Corrections:
July 2008 - page 38 section 4.9.5.

Ordering printed copies:

NHS (no charge) - please e-mail: dh@prolog.uk.com

Private establishments/companies (£75 per copy) - please e-mail: dts@mhra.gsi.gov.uk