Objective To investigate the behaviour of common healthcare related objects in a 3 tesla (T) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner, examining their ability to self-propel towards the scanner bore and their potential for tissue penetration.
Design Prospective in situ experimental study.
Setting Clinical 3 T MRI scanner. Customised rig designed and built to guide objects towards the scanner bore.
Participants 12 categories of objects commonly found in hospitals, or on patients or healthcare professionals, or near an MRI scanning room. Human tissue penetration simulated with ballistic gel (Federal Bureau of Investigation and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation graded).
Main outcome measures SANTA (site where applied newtonian mechanics triggers acceleration) measurements and depth of tissue penetration of the objects.
Results SANTA measurements ranged from 0 cm for the 20 pence, 50 pence, and £2 coins to 152-161 cm for a knife and the biscuit tins. One penny, two pence, five pence