Hurricane Katrina poses MRI dilemma

Aug 31, 2005

Architectural firm Jünk Architects of Kansas City, MO, and the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators of Sudbury, MA, are distributing a news flash to imaging sites in the southeastern U.S. with MRI magnets at risk of quenching due to Hurricane Katrina.

If a facility's magnet has not already been quenched as a result of the storm, and the site is without power to the scanner's cold-head, the magnet should be treated as if it will quench at any time, according to the advisory. Power should be restored to the system as quickly as possible, such as by leasing power equipment and supplies.

If a magnet has recently been topped off with a full load of cryogen, a facility will have three or four days to restore power before it does quench. Service personnel should remain clear of the cryogen discharge vent until the system quenches or stability is returned to the MRI magnet, the advisory states.

Last year's hurricanes caused at least one magnet in Florida to quench, not from storm damage but from a lack of power following the storm. This can be a particular threat to emergency personnel, contractors, insurance adjusters, building inspectors, and even facility staff who may be surveying damage to the imaging site.

For facilities that have been damaged or destroyed by the hurricane, the advisory suggests considering design and construction issues when rebuilding. Those who are rebuilding facilities should incorporate the latest safety and design features, including the American College of Radiology's four-zone screening model for ensuring safety in MRI suites, according to the advisory.

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
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