Certification for MR safety and MR operator

Running or assisting with running MRI experiments at the Spinoza Centre requires certification for MR safety and optionally as MR operator. To become certified you have to complete the following steps:

MR operator

After successfully completing both the safety and operator exam, you are ready to independently run an MRI experiment. You get access to the control room (via your badge) and access to the scanner room (via the code to the key locker). As MR operator

• You have completed the safety certification.
• You have mastered operation of the MRI scanner, including table operation, planning and running scans, and basic troubleshooting.
• You are in charge during the entire experiment. If multiple researchers with MR operator certification are present, one should be appointed MR operator for that scanning session.
• You are responsible for the safety of your subjects as well as your colleagues, interns and all others that are present during the experiment. This means
  • you perform a second screening by verbally checking all paper screening forms with subjects and colleagues etc.;
  • you determine who is allowed to enter the scanner room, and perform the visual screening of all persons entering the room;
  • you keep the number of people in the control room limited to what is needed to perform your experiment;
  • you determine if a situation warrants quenching the magnet;
  • in case of emergency you start the physical evacuation of a subject.
• You are responsible for the proper conduct of those that assist with your experiment.
• You are responsible for staying on time and leaving the scanner environment tidy for the next scanning session.

To become MR operator, you should

• Obtain your MR safety certificate (see below).
• Practice operating the scanner under the supervision of a qualified (certified) user, e.g. a colleague already running a project. Note that the number of required training sessions differs between people and is based, amongst others, on the previous skill level and experience with MRI scanners.
• Show you have mastered operation of the scanner by running a (pretend) session of your experiment overseen by someone from the SC staff.

MR safety

After successfully completing the safety training and examination (both written and practical), you are ready to assist during an MRI experiment. You get access to the control room via your badge. Being safety certified,

• You are aware of the risks associated with the MRI scanner and know where and when they are present
• You are allowed to
  • be in the MR control room by yourself;
  • do the primary MRI screening of subjects and others that are present during an experiment using the screening form, and subsequently take them into the MR control room.
• Unless you have explicit permission from the MR operator, you are
  • not allowed to enter the scanner room without permission of the MR operator;
  • not allowed to operate the scanner (table and user interface);
  • not allowed to press the quench button.
• In case of an evacuation, you are the one notifying emergency services (AMC and ERO personnel).

To become safety certified, you should

• Study the MR safety reader carefully.
• Attend the MR safety presentation, tour of the building and evacuation practiceorganized periodically.
• Pass the safety exam consisting of a theoretical (written) and practical part (screening a subject).

No certification

It is possible to assist with experiments without taking part in the full certification procedure. This can be an interesting option if your role is limited to interaction with the subject before and after the actual scanning, and/or in case of short-lasting internships. You are still required to attend the safety tour of the building, and are advised to attend the safety presentation. Several restrictions apply:

• You do not get access to the MR control room via your badge.
• You are not allowed to be in the MR control room by yourself.
• You do not take part in the MRI experiment. This means that
  • you are not involved in the screening of subjects, colleagues etc.;
  • you are not allowed to operate any part of the MRI scanner;
  • you are not allowed to enter the MRI scanner room;
  • you are not involved in the evacuation process.
• The number of people present without and with safety certification should be balanced i.e. roughly equal; this is left to the discretion of the MR operator.

Recommended reading and additional safety-related information

• Chapter 2 from 'Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging' by Huettel et al.
• ACR Guidance document 2013. Not all sections will apply to your situation. The text should be read as a general guideline, not as policy specific to the Spinoza Centre.

Risks associated with helium

mrisafety.com

FDA criteria