Weird incident in the MRI room..

I've had some experience with insulin pumps in last almost 2 years since my dd was dx.
I can see where the tech could forget.Did the pump survive the crash into magnet?
what if while he was seated at mri controls-what if his pump was also attached to small chain connected to wall.
or if he had omnipod-I don't think there is anything metal in the pods. but of course that would be extreme having to change pumps.

This is a very 'sticky-wicket' from the practical standpoint. I agree that telling the tech that (s)he is forbidden from using their portable pump is a bad decision for anyone to make, particularly a healthcare provider, but I would be even more determined to prevent anyone carrying ferrous material, even as a part of their job... such as a tool belt, to circulate within the MRI suite without appropriate protections.

Given the typical workloads and throughput pressures common to most MRI facilities, it borders on fantasy to think that techs would be willing to both turn away from patient care at the same time several times per day for one to repeatedly screen the other. Current technology and best practices, however, might provide a solution that would also enhance the safety of ALL persons entering the MRI scanner room.

The 2007 ACR Guidance Document and the recent Joint Commission Sentinel Event both suggest the use of ferromagnetic detection (FMD) devices as an adjunct to conventional screening. This diabetic tech's pump, if it is ferromagnetic enough to go flying into the bore, is likely ferromagnetic enough to light up a ferromagnetic detector like a Christmas tree. While most facilities might be reluctant to take such steps for an issue raised by one tech, if the FMD was positioned in the path of everyone entering the MRI suite, it could provide redundant screening for everyone, not just the one tech.

I served on the ACR's MR Safety Committee and am a contributing author to the Guidance Document. While today I work for a company that manufactures FMD (full disclosure), the proposal to include the recommendation for the use of FMD screening in the Guidance Document was that of Dr. Emanuel Kanal, noted guru of MRI safety issues.

I'd hate to see a trained and talented technologist be forced to choose between the career that they've chosen and effective management of their health, particularly when there are options out there that might allow both options to coexist and provide safety benefits to everyone else in the MRI suite, too.

Tobias Gilk

I have run into a similar situation and had some questions for Kevin. How could I get him my questions?

Absolutely this tech cannot be required by an employer to revert to injections! Contact the American Diabetes Association for details regarding discrimination against persons with diabetes.