Medical imaging has become a standard tool for diagnosis and more often it is done using Magnetic Resonance Imaging i.e., MRI. As the name suggests, these scans are done by using magnets and contrast dye rather than using X-ray radiation like an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. More importantly, MRI scans can produce beautifully detailed images. The images can be used to diagnose cancer, prep for orthopedic surgery, or tell us what our dogs really think about us.
Beyond the beautiful images, the main advantage of MRI is lack of possible side effects compared to the harm stochastic effects of X-ray radiation can cause, but there are safety concerns that must be addressed before you get in the MRI machine. To prepare you for an MRI scan, an MRI technologist will run through a safety screening. The screening questions consist of determining if you have had any past surgeries, implants, or piercings. Those questions may sound typical for any other medical procedure, but the technologist is probing for the possibility that you may have a magnetic metal in your body. The item could be anchored to a bone or free-floating like bullet fragments stuck in your cartilage. Both could result in a possible projectile as the MRI machine’s magnets pull it out, or they could heat up and burn your skin or internal organs.
The safety screening takes about ten to fifteen minutes as the technologist fights the clock to get you prepped and, in the machine, so they can prepare the next patient. A good technologist will look for any possible reason to not put you in the machine. They will review your medical records, contact caretakers if you can't communicate at the time of scan, run a magnet up and down your body to see if something pulls, and look up your implants to see if they are MRI safe. Most implants today are created with MRI safe materials. But if you had a procedure outside of the United States or before the 1990s, it is possible the material is magnetic. If all else fails, the MRI technologist may order an x-ray to see if there are metal pieces in your body. Consulting these siloed sources of information is a time-consuming procedure that a trauma-one hospital cannot afford to spend on a singular patient. With this mind, an MRI technologist’s job becomes a high wire balancing act between the time spent on a patient and the patient’s safety.
Extract Systems’ HealthyData platform could assist both the radiologist and MRI technologist by automating the collection of key information from various medical records and histories to a concise database. This significantly reduced the time spent reviewing materials to ensure the safety of their patients. If you’re interested in learning more about how Extract is able to turn documents into actionable data, please reach out.
About the Author: Jenny Reschke
Jenny Reschke is a data capture analyst at Extract Systems with experience in data analytics, machine learning and technical writing. Jenny received a bachelor’s in journalism and statistics from UW-Madison. In her free time, she cuddles with her two black pugs and cheers on the Green Bay Packers.