Ms. Frances Gray1, A/Prof Peter Kench1, Dr Yobelli Jimenez1, Dr Dania Abu Awwad1
1University Of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
Biography:
Frances’ career in Radiography commenced in the mid-1990’s. She completed her Bachelor Degree in Radiography in 1994, her Master in Health Science in 2003 and her Graduate Certificate in Higher Education in 2022. She was awarded the Fellowship of Advance Higher Education UK in 2023. She is currently researching IPC in MRI for her PhD.
She has been an academic at the University of Sydney since 2015 and continues to work clinically in MRI at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. She has a keen interest in IPC, MRI and simulated clinical education.
Abstract:
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) departments is essential due to the unique operational environment and the varied patient demographics that engage with these imaging services in Medical Imaging Departments (MID). MRI is a unique scanning environment due to the strong magnetic field, the long barrel-like structure of the machine and the need for individual MRI coils to image different regions of interest. These coils are in direct contact with the patient and should be routinely cleaned after each examination. The challenges in MRI suites, such as cleaning and disinfecting the bulky equipment and managing a diverse patient population, necessitate stringent IPC measures. Key practices include the regular cleaning and disinfection of MRI equipment and the environment, with particular attention to high-touch areas and using non-magnetic supplies to ensure safe interactions with the magnetic field. Unlike every other area in the MID, MRI restricts who and what can enter the scan room. This causes many issues with cleaning and disinfecting the equipment and floors. Moreover, ongoing education and training on IPC protocols for staff, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, hand hygiene, and equipment cleaning, are imperative for a safe MRI environment. The primary aim is to improve IPC practices among MRI radiographers and nurses, reduce the risk of infection transmission and develop IPC guidelines specific to MRI. The guidelines will promote awareness of the importance of IPC in this imaging modality and bridge the gap in IPC practices in MRI environments.