Oxygen Tanks & Gas Cylinders

According to Chaljub et al., accidents related to ferromagnetic oxygen tanks and other gas cylinders that can become projectiles might be increasing. In fact, missile-related accidents for these objects have resulted in at least one fatality, several injuries, damage to MR systems, and down-time (i.e., loss of revenue) for MRI centers.

Therefore, MRI facilities should implement a policy for safe administration of oxygen to patients undergoing MR procedures. In lieu of utilizing pipes to directly deliver gases to patients, the use of non-magnetic (usually aluminum) gas cylinders is one means of preventing missile effect hazards in the MR environment.

Non-magnetic oxygen tanks and cylinders for other gases are commercially available from various vendors.

MRI centers should have a sufficient number of nonmagnetic oxygen tanks and strict policies to prevent emergency staff members from introducing ferromagnetic objects into the MR environment. Notably, some hospital-based MR centers have nonmagnetic oxygen tanks used throughout their buildings to prevent projectile accidents.

Nonmagnetic tanks must be prominently labeled to avoid confusion with magnetic cylinders. Furthermore, all healthcare workers that work in the MR environment must be informed regarding the fact that only nonmagnetic oxygen and other gas cylinders are allowed into the MR system room.

Nonmagnetic oxygen regulators, flow meters, cylinder carts, cylinder stands, cylinder holders for wheelchairs, and suction devices are also commercially available to provide safe respiratory support of patients in the MR environment and for transfer to and from the MRI facility.

REFERENCES

Chaljub G, et al. Projectile cylinder accidents resulting from the presence of ferromagnetic nitrous oxide or oxygen tanks in the MR suite. American Journal of Roentgenology 2001;177:27-30.

Colletti PM. Size "H" oxygen cylinder: accidental MR projectile at 1.5-Tesla. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2004;19:141-143.

ECRI. Patient Death Illustrates the Importance of Adhering to Safety Precautions in Magnetic Resonance Environments. ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, PA, Aug. 6, 2001.

Jolesz FA, et al. Compatible instrumentation for intraoperative MRI: expanding resources. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 1998;8:8-11.

Keeler EK, et al. Accessory equipment considerations with respect to MRI compatibility. Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 1998;8:12-18.

Shellock FG. Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2001.