Method and Apparatus for Ferrous Object and/or Magnetic Field Detection for MRI Safety

Abstract

A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

1 . A system for improving MRI facility safety, comprising:
 an identifier reader positioned proximate a zone in an MRI facility;   at least one badge having an identifier capable of being read by the identifier reader; and   a means for providing a first signal upon one of the at least one badge being read by the identifier reader.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the at least one badge have a different identifier than one or more other of the at least one badges. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the zone is a MRI room and the identifier reader is mounted proximate the MRI room. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more panel structures positioned at a corresponding one or more locations about a perimeter of the zone, wherein upon receiving the first signal from the means for providing the first signal, at least one of the one or more the panel structures provide a visual alarm. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more panel structures positioned at a corresponding one or more locations about a perimeter of the zone, wherein upon receiving the first signal from the means for providing the first signal, at least one of the one or more the panel structures provide an audible alarm. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for providing a first signal provides a signal for closing and/or locking one or more doors to a room having a MRI magnet. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one badge comprises:
 a means for detecting a threshold magnitude magnetic field, and   an alert mechanism,   wherein upon detection of the threshold magnitude magnetic field, the alert mechanism provides an alert.   
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the identifier comprises a RFID tag and the identifier reader comprises a RFID reader. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein one or more of the at least one badge comprising the RFID tag is adapted to be attached to an inanimate object such that the RFID reader detects that the inanimate object is in the zone upon reading the RFID tag. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein one or more of the at least one badge comprising the RFID tag is adapted to be worn by a user such that the RFID reader detects that the user is in the zone upon reading the RFID tag. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein upon the RFID reader reading the RFID tag of one of the at least one badges, an activation signal is sent to the badge to activate the badge, wherein when the badge is activated, a means for detecting a threshold magnitude magnetic field is turned on. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the badge is capable of being deactivated upon receiving the activation signal when the badge is activated. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein each of the at least one badge is transitioned to a sleep mode when deactivated and transitioned to a wake mode when activated, wherein upon being transitioned from the sleep mode to the wake mode, the badge performs a system level diagnostic. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 11 , further comprising an alert mechanism, wherein upon detection of the threshold magnitude magnetic field, the alert mechanism provides an alert. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one badge comprises:
 a magnetic field detector comprising one or more magnetic field sensors for detecting a threshold magnitude magnetic field; and   an alert mechanism, wherein upon detection of the threshold magnitude magnetic field, the alert mechanism provides an alert.   
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein upon the RFID reader reading the RFID tag of one of the at least one badges, an activation signal is sent to the badge to activate the badge, wherein the badge further comprises a magnetic field detector comprising one or more magnetic field sensors for detecting a threshold magnitude magnetic field, wherein when the badge is activated, the magnetic field detector is turned on. 
     
     
         17 . A system for improving MRI facility safety, comprising:
 an identifier reader positioned proximate a zone in an MRI facility;   at least one badge having an identifier capable of being read by the identifier reader; and   a signal generator, wherein the signal generator provides a first signal upon one of the at least one badge being read by the identifier reader.   
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 17 , further comprising one or more panel structures positioned at a corresponding one or more locations about a perimeter of the zone, wherein upon receiving the first signal, at least one of the one or more the panel structures provide a visual alarm. 
     
     
         19 . The system according to  claim 17 , further comprising one or more panel structures positioned at a corresponding one or more locations about a perimeter of the zone, wherein upon receiving the first signal, at least one of the one or more the panel structures provide an audible alarm. 
     
     
         20 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein the first signal triggers closing and/or locking one or more doors to a room having a MRI magnet. 
     
     
         21 . A method for improving MRI facility safety, comprising:
 positioning an identifier reader proximate a zone in an MRI facility;   providing at least one badge having an identifier capable of being read by the identifier reader; and   providing a first signal upon one of the at least one badge being read by the identifier reader.