On behalf of the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA*) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment manufacturers MPC is posting this message to assist in getting the word out. Please feel free to translate into local languages as necessary.
The COVID19 pandemic impacts the way diagnostic imaging examinations are performed. Particularly, patients may need to wear masks during the examination, which may impose hazards in the MR environment. In December, the U.S. FDA issued a safety notification (found here) to remind patients and providers not to wear any metal during the MR examination. MPC fully supports these reminders from the MITA for mask use with MR systems:
• Check clothing for the presence of metal pieces, strips, or woven micro fabric
• Recommend use of hospital supplied gowns and masks (for which safety is established by the hospital) in all cases
• If personal masks are worn, check the mask manufacturer to ensure no metallic Nano particles or fabric is included in any of the layers of the mask. It should be noted, copper is sometimes marketed as an effective filter or an additional natural layer directly infused into the fabric.
Please remain diligent as we work through these next critical months, we want to see you on the flip side!
L’chaim!
*MITA is a Division of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
