| An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging machine, | | | | blood pressure cuffs to non-metallic stethoscopes, |
| uses a strong magnetic fields and advanced | | | | and all are engineered to work as well as their |
| computer algorithms to deliver a detailed image of | | | | metallic counterparts. |
| the inside of the human body. | | | | Adequate and appropriate lighting is always a |
| Because the process also uses a radiofrequency | | | | concern for doctors and technicians, and equipping |
| signal to deliver that information in the form of an | | | | an MRI studio can be a challenge, given that most |
| image, radiation is a constant hazard. MRIs are | | | | lighting fixtures are made of, or contain, some |
| placed inside RF-shielded enclosures to both | | | | metallic compounds. MRI-safe lighting meets that |
| protect operators and patients, and also to | | | | challenge superbly, providing illumination without |
| prevent random RF signals, from cellphones for | | | | inherent hazard. |
| example, from interfering with scans. | | | | Equally as important in an MRI suite are the |
| MRI technology is also extremely complicated, | | | | appurtenances, which simplify the working process |
| requiring technicians to understand, and apply, a | | | | by providing MRI compatible equipment such as |
| variety of parameters to achieve good image | | | | IV stands, kick buckets, and privacy screens. |
| quality. It's often easy to forget the dangers | | | | Patient transport options include non-magnetic |
| presented by metallic substances, which can | | | | wheelchairs, walkers and stretchers, all vital |
| damage the magnetic function of the machine, or | | | | elements in getting patients safely to and from |
| patients and even bystanders. | | | | hospital rooms. Once in the MRI suite, |
| MRI compatible equipment insures that scans are | | | | non-magnetic communication aids like protective |
| accurate, that the machine is not damaged, and | | | | headsets assist technicians in communicating |
| that patients are safe and comfortable during the | | | | effectively with patients in an adjacent room, and |
| procedure, which can take up to a half-hour and | | | | eye shades or prism glasses insure patient |
| cause considerable distress if claustrophobia is a | | | | comfort during difficult, time-consuming and often |
| problem. | | | | frightening procedures. Confident technicians and |
| This MRI-safe equipment comes in a variety of | | | | comfortable patients insure that MRI imaging is |
| forms for a plethora of uses, from non-magnetic | | | | accurate, timely and effective. |