How to Clean MRI Equipment

A major and growing concern for the U.S. health care arena is associated with infections, which constitute a health problem affecting five to 10 percent of hospitalized patients every year, suggests PatientComfortSystems.com. Billions of dollars are spent annually on costs associated with health crises in the hospital environment. Most patients with serious infections will typically have an imaging procedure performed during the course of their treatment, placing dangerous bacteria on the MRI equipment. Monitoring and cleaning these machines is of utmost importance.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the main MRI tables from the inside of the bore of the magnet, along with other items used to treat the patient, with an approved disinfectant. Clean the MRI tables and tools between every patient visit.

• 2

  Inspect all the pads and equipment with a magnifying glass once per week, focusing specifically on the seams of the pads. Make a note of any torn seams, rips or frays in the pad, and replace them as soon as possible. Clean all pads and support equipment with disinfectant after any patient contact.

• 3

  Use an ultraviolet light to scan over all the padding on the MRI machine. This will expose any biological material that must be dealt with immediately. If it can not be removed with disinfectant, replace the pads and incorporate permanent antimicrobial agents.

• 4

  Apply a waterproof covering that can be wiped down after any contact with a patient. Replace the pillow or cover if it is compromised, torn or soiled beyond repair. Be prompt in removing any body fluid from the MRI equipment, and disinfect the table and pads.

• 5

  Clean all surrounding furniture and equipment periodically. Choose to use furniture with surfaces that are waterproof and cleanable with a disinfectant wipe. Infection control experts recommend this be done between patients.