MR system operator: Recommended minimum requirements for performing MRI in human subjects in a research setting

Abstract

on behalf of the ISMRM Safety CommitteeThis article is intended to provide guidelines for the minimum level of safety and operational knowledge that an MR system operator should exhibit in order to safely perform an MR procedure in a human subject in a research setting. This article represents the position of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) regarding this important topic and was developed by members of this society's MR Safety Committee. DESCRIPTIONTHE CONTENT of this article is intended to provide an outline of the guidelines for the minimum level of safety and operational knowledge that a magnetic resonance (MR) system operator should exhibit in order to safely scan a human subject in a research setting. RATIONALEThis article represents the position of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) regarding this important topic and was developed by members of this society's MR Safety Committee.These guidelines are meant to specifically focus on potential MR safety-related matters to ensure that operation of the research facility is carried out in a safe manner for the subject undergoing the MR procedure, associated researchers, and healthcare providers. All the requirements for the MR system operator relating to the quality, efficiency, and/or efficacy of the research to be performed must be defined by the principal investigator responsible for the specific research project under consideration.Furthermore, these guidelines cover the minimum requirements to ensure basic safety, and do not cover other issues related to invasive procedures, interventional procedures, or the administration of MRI contrast agents, which require special consideration and are beyond the scope of this article.Finally, this article only provides an outline for the minimum standards that MR sites should consider in order to set up their MR safety plan; this article therefore does not intend to mandate how MR system operators obtain the necessary education and training but rather establishes the baseline of MR safety topics in which the operators must be proficient. Therefore, it is the individual site's responsibility to define how, by whom, and by what sources the MR system operator obtains the necessary safety-related knowledge, acknowledging that specific details and requirements may vary between centers, countries, etc. DEFINITIONS AND RESPONIBILITIESGiven the difference in existing nomenclature and to avoid any possible misunderstanding, the

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“…Safety considerations are discussed under the headings related to: establishing, implementing, and maintaining current MR safety policies and procedures; static magnetic field issues; safety screening; staffing; pregnancy; paediatrics; time varying gradient magnetic field; time varying radiofrequency field; cryogen-related issues; claustrophobia, anxiety, sedation, and anaesthesia; contrast agents; and implants. Similarly, the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) have published guidance related to the safe use of MRI for research purposes where they discuss: roles and responsibilities; minimum qualification requirements; operating modes; and considerations for the patient/research subject [33].…”

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