C-15: MRI SAFETY POLICY

8. When rotating through brachytherapy, if the student is loading or unloading sources, a ring badge must be worn. Students must remember to put to use the techniques of time, distance and shielding. 9. Students will be given counseling regarding radiation safety practices as necessary.

Radiation Monitoring & Excessive Doses

1. Radiation Dosimeter reports are reviewed monthly by the Radiation Safety Officer at the clinical internship sites. The reports are available in the clinical internship site with personal identity information protected. 2. Monthly radiation exposures for students must not exceed the dosage of 50 mRem to occupationally exposed persons which may be less than or equivalent to the maximum permissible dose established by the state and federal agencies for radiologic health. 3. If abnormal (high) readings are present, the radiation safety officer, clinical preceptor and program officials will investigate the cause. This may include interviews with students, clinical instructors, clinical preceptors and other relevant individuals.

The objective of this investigation will be to learn why the student received the excessive dose and to determine what type of corrective action may be needed. 4. A report of the information obtained and subsequent corrective action will be provided to the student. This action will be enforced and the results of the investigation and corrective action will be placed in the student’s file and program files for future reference. 5. The Radiation Safety Officer and Program

Officials will counsel the student to include the risk from radiation exposure, the reason for the exposure (if it’s possible to determine), and changes in work habits, procedures, and equipment as appropriate. The student will be monitored closely to ensure they are following the corrective action plan. In MRI, the magnetic field is always on. Students working with or observing in an MRI area will comply with each site’s policies and procedures regarding metallic objects being introduced into the MRI scanning area. Carrying ferromagnetic articles or introducing them to the MRI scanning area is strictly prohibited. These objects can become projectiles within the scanning room causing serious injury or death and/or equipment failure. This would include but not be limited to: oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, carts, monitors, IV poles, laundry hampers, tools, furniture, personal ferromagnetic items (e.g. Cell phones, iPods, underwire bras). Students will be screened according to patient screening protocols at the respective hospital, to assure MRI compatibility. Students should notify the clinical preceptor immediately if their safety status should change after screening due to a surgical implant, personal injury or other event during the course of their time in the program.