Difference between the SAFESCAN Target Scanner™
and Metal Detectors

• The SAFESCAN Target Scanner™ is a ferromagnetic-ONLY detection system.
• The other hand-held products are metal detectors – and NOT ferromagnetic-ONLY detectors. 
• Metal detectors are NOT recommended by the ACR, and do NOT comply with The Joint Commission or VA best-practice guidelines. 

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From The Joint Commission's Sentinel Event Alert #38 "Preventing Accidents and Injuries in the MRI Suite:

Conventional metal detectors have been used to help identify metal objects in and on patients, but they are not 100 percent accurate and can give false-positives and false-negatives. 

However, the recent availability of ferromagnetic detectors may help in screening patients for objects left on their person, according to Dr. Emanuel Kanal, chair of the ACR’s Magnetic Resonance Safety Committee. A recent study concludes that ferromagnetic detectors have 99 percent sensitivity.  

Joint Commission recommendations:

The Joint Commission offers the following recommendations and strategies to health care organizations for reducing MRI accidents and injuries (From The Joint Commission's referenced design and construction standards, the 2010 edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities) –

2.2-3.4.4.2 Design configuration of the MRI suite:

(1) Suites for MRI equipment shall be planned to conform to the four-zone screening and access control protocols identified in the American College of Radiology's "Guidance Document for Safe MR Practices."
(2) The layout shall include provisions for the following functions:
(a) Patient interviews and clinical screening
(b) Physical screening and changing areas (as indicated)
(c) Siting of ferromagnetic detection systems
(d) Access control
(e) Accommodation of site-specific clinical and operational requirements.

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For information and availability for the SAFESCAN TARGET SCANNER: Kemp.massengill@mednovus.com • 760.390.1410 (Pacific Time)