A 61-year-old man in New York has lost his life in a freak accident involving a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at a medical office in Westbury, Long Island, when the man entered a room without authorization while the machine was in operation.
The man was wearing a large metal necklace, which caused him to be drawn into the machine, resulting in a medical episode that proved fatal.
How Did This Happen?
The tragedy highlights the importance of strict safety rules surrounding MRI machines, which require patients to remove any metal objects before entering the procedure room.
Typically, patients are required to change out of their clothes and undergo screening for any implants or metal in their bodies before entering the MRI room.
This is because the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine can turn metal objects into projectiles, causing harm to patients and staff.
The Incident’s Aftermath
The man was pronounced dead from his injuries at 2:36 pm on Thursday at a hospital.
The incident has highlighted the critical need for careful screening of people and objects entering the MRI environment.
The Food and Drug Administration emphasizes the importance of safety practices surrounding magnetic resonance imaging on its website.