Expressing concern over the spread of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a recent paper authored by Peter Rothschild, MD, unveiled the lack of infection control within magnetic resonance imaging centers.

“Survey of Infection Control in the MRI Environment: Lack of Infection Control Procedures in MRI May Place Patients and Staff at Risk” was a study prompted by the death of Nile Moss, a 15-year-old boy who died from MRSA a few days after an MRI.  It aimed to evaluate the state of infection control in the MRI environment, as well as identify obstacles faced by patients or referring physicians when attempting to measure infection control at an individual MRI facility.  

“Any patient lying on an imaging table could be a carrier capable of contaminating surfaces in the radiology suite,” Rothschild said, adding that “MRSA and other pathogens can live on common MRI table pads and positioners for periods as long as several months. This is why all MRI centers must have written infection control procedures.”

According to Rothschild, consistent infection control is not possible without written infection control procedures. Without written guidelines, infection control  being performed is on the preferences and training of the MRI technician, who may be lacking the requisite knowledge.

 “An infection control procedure is the first action to assure the public that steps are in place to prevent life threatening infection in association with the MRI environment,” Rothschild said. “However, this study clearly shows there is a breakdown of infection control at most MRI centers, particularly outpatient facilities. With infectious MRSA cultured out of MRIs, I cannot understand why these centers will not take these life-threatening Superbugs seriously.”