Notes on current safety issues in MRI

The present unsatisfactory state of the worldwide regulatory system for whole body magnetic resonance is explored. The priorities of a number of the most important regulators are outlined, and the differences between factors affecting the safety of patients on the one hand, and of those operating equipment on the other, are discussed. At the end, a strategy is outlined for obtaining the data needed to establish new, more firmly based, limits of operation. A prime factor in getting this data will be collaboration between the regulators, users of equipment, and manufacturers. A measure of urgency is desirable as the longer the present situation is allowed to persist the greater the risk that the stresses already present in it will become intolerable. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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