Experimental analysis of radiographer exposure to the static field from a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging machine

Abstract

This study measures the exposure of occupational therapists from a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Method. A total of 14 time-series on each of the chest, head and hand were taken before and after different MRI procedures. The peak values were noted in each case together with an average of all data recorded in the time-series. Results. The highest exposure recorded was observed on the hand, followed by the head and the chest. The overall maximum exposure (1479.40 mT) recorded was observed on the hand during a change of coil. It was also observed that the recorded exposure of experienced radiographers working in the MRI environment was less than that of junior staff due to different practices. Conclusion. This study is of significant importance in Malta since it is the first conducted in a MRI environment, especially because the results were compared with limits imposed by EU Directive 2013/35/EU which has to be implemented by July 2016.