This program reviews fundamental MRI safety information and meets the annual training recommendations from the American College of Radiology. Importantly, MRI facilities must now comply with the revised requirements for diagnostic imaging from The Joint Commission and document that MRI technologists participate in ongoing education that includes annual training on safe MRI practices in the MRI environment. Notably, Advanced MRI Safety Training for Healthcare Professionals, Level 2 MR Personnel covers each MRI safety topic specified by The Joint Commission, as well as many additional subjects that will expand the knowledge-base of healthcare professionals involved with MRI technology.

With 35 years of experience in the field of MRI, the author of the best-selling textbook series, the Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants and Devices, and the creator of the internationally popular website, MRIsafety.com, Dr. Frank G. Shellock is uniquely qualified to present the information in this program.

Advanced MRI Safety Training for Healthcare Professionals (4th Edition), Level 2 MR Personnel is a 2 hour and 45 minute program that is divided into three different sections.

Educational Objectives

• Understand the safety issues related to MRI.
• Describe the bioeffects associated with the static magnetic field, time-varying magnetic fields, and radiofrequency fields.
• Present guidelines that prevent projectile-related accidents.
• Describe polices that avoid issues related to acoustic noise.
• Review procedures that prevent burns associated with MRI.
• Explain and demonstrate appropriate pre-MRI screening procedures.
• Identify techniques to manage patients with claustrophobia, anxiety, or emotional distress.
• Describe guidelines to handle medical emergencies in the MRI setting.
• Understand the safety considerations for gadolinium-based contrast agents.

This is a Pay-To-View program. Purchase is required for full program access.

This program provides an overview of MRI safety information that is intended for non-clinical staff members who regularly work in the MRI environment or who may occasionally work in this area as part of their responsibilities. Anyone who enters the MRI environment, even infrequently, must be properly trained to ensure their safety, the safety of patients, and other facility staff members

After completion of a short online exam, with a passing score of 70% or higher, this program provides a Statement of Participation.

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of MRI, the author of the best selling textbook series, the Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants and Devices, and the creater of the internationally popular website, www.MRIsafety.com, Dr. Frank G. Shellock is uniquely qualified to present the information in this program.

Educational Objectives

• Appreciate the importance of MRI
• Identify the certain hazards associated with MRI technology
• Describe steps to prevent accidents and injuries related to ferromagnetic objects

This is a Pay-To-View program. Purchase is required for full program access. 

Praveen Pendyala, MD; Alexander G. Goglia, MD, PhD; Ronald D. Ennis, MD

The authors review the rationale behind the establishment of prior authorization (PA) by health care payers, discuss issues with the current system with a focus on radiation oncology, and propose multiple changes that could improve the system for clinicians, payers, and patients.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Often there is lack of knowledge amongst imaging professionals regarding IV contrast dynamics and the relationship between contrast injection, observed enhancement, and scan acquisition timing. The design of appropriate imaging protocols leads to effective and consistent cardiovascular exams; especially when applied to complex clinical scenarios.

This CME/CE accredited program will review contrast-saline dynamics and discuss rational protocol design for cardiac and vascular CT angiography. Effective cardiovascular imaging protocols, utilizing multiple CT injector platforms to achieve optimal imaging, will be reviewed. We invite you to join Dr. Richard Hallett for a comprehensive discussion and case study review of this important topic.

Following the presentation questions from the audience were addressed in a moderated Q&A session.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Understand the relationship between bolus contrast media injection and observed enhancement.
• Implement methods to design rational contrast injection / scan acquisition protocols.
• Review various models of CT contrast injectors and discuss benefits, limitations, and injection protocol adjustments for each.
• Apply customized contrast-saline injection / scan principles to complex cardiovascular disease cases.

Made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

MRI technology has advanced with the availability of low - vertical field scanners. However, many patients present with passive implants and devices that are available in clinical practice, yet not approved for MR imaging in low field scanners.

In this CME program three MR imaging experts will provide unique perspectives on managing patients with passive implants and devices. The panel will discuss important MRI safety information and details on how to safely image these patients, including a review of screening policies, implant and device manufacturers’ information and resources, and the implementation plan for a MRI safety program, designed to mitigate the potential risks to patients presenting with passive implants and devices.

Learning Objectives

• Identify challenges associated with imaging patients with passive implants on low field (<1.5-T) MR systems.
• Review MRI considerations in order to safely manage patients that present with passive implants referred for scans on low field MR systems.
• Implement protocols to safely scan patients presenting with passive implants that are not labeled for low field scanners, including 1.2-T MR systems.
• Increase the number of patients eligible for MRI exams.

This program is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.

In MR Imaging, a careful review of the safety criteria for the selection of a Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) should be considered for pediatric and neonatal patients. The program will provide a comprehensive review of the supporting research that addresses Gadolinium selection in this special patient population. Both chronic and long-term effects of GBCAs will be discussed.

As a Pediatric Neuroradiologist, Dr. Shah is uniquely qualified to share his experience which includes a discussion of risk vs benefits, supported by practical protocols for the administration of MR contrast; including limiting the amount of contrast given to patients that may receive several lifetime doses. Following the presentation, the audience is invited to join Dr. Shah for an interactive Q & A session.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Explain the differences between available MR contrast agents and any associated adverse events
• Improve clinical management decisions about when to administer MR contrast (risk vs benefit)
• Apply FDA guidelines regarding MRI contrast agents to clinical practice.

Made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Kaitlin M Zaki-Metias, MD; Mehrvaan Kaur, MD; Huijuan Wang, MD; Bilal Turfe; Nicholas Mills, MD; Yanruo Lu, MD; Bashir H Hakim, MD; Leslie S Allen, MD

Pregnant patients infrequently undergo CT given the risk of radiation to the developing fetus. As such, when CT is performed on pregnant patients in emergent situations, radiologists may be unfamiliar with the appearance of the placenta on CT and its normal evolution throughout gestation. This activity is designed to educate radiologists about the normal appearance of the placenta on CT and its evolution throughout pregnancy, as well as differentiation of these findings from placental abruption.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.