Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment is a diagnostic tool used in healthcare facilities. While most MRI safety focuses on magnetic field hazards, helium leaks present a less visible risk to both personnel and equipment.
Liquid helium is necessary for MRI operation, but when released into an enclosed MRI suite, it can rapidly displace oxygen, creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere that can endanger staff, patients, and visitors within seconds.
Installing an MRI oxygen-deficiency monitor provides continuous protection against helium leaks, helping facilities maintain a safe environment and protect costly MRI equipment from damage.
Need MRI helium safety help? Get a free consultation from PureAire
What Is an MRI and Why Does It Use Helium?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical technology that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures
within the body.
The exceptional image quality produced by MRI technology depends on an extremely powerful superconducting magnet. MRI magnets must be cooled with liquid helium to maintain superconductivity.
What Makes Helium So Dangerous?
Helium is colorless, odorless, and oxygen-displacing. While helium itself is non-toxic, it presents an asphyxiation hazard because it rapidly reduces oxygen concentrations in confined spaces.
As oxygen levels fall, occupants may experience dizziness, fatigue, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and, in severe cases, asphyxiation.
In confined areas, oxygen levels can drop below safe breathing concentrations before occupants realize there is a problem.
Why Oxygen Deficiency Monitoring Is Recommended for MRI Suites
Since helium displaces oxygen, the most effective method for detecting helium leaks is monitoring oxygen concentration.
An oxygen deficiency monitor continuously measures ambient oxygen levels and provides an immediate warning when oxygen falls below safe thresholds.
In addition to protecting personnel, oxygen deficiency monitors can help prevent costly MRI downtime and equipment damage by providing early warning of cryogenic leaks before they escalate into major failures.
PureAire’s MRI-Friendly Sample Draw Oxygen Deficiency Monitor
PureAire’s Sample Draw Oxygen Deficiency Monitor is specifically designed for MRI environments. Unlike conventional oxygen monitors, PureAire’s Sample Draw Monitor is installed outside the MRI imaging room while it continuously samples air from locations up to 100 feet away.
The Sample Draw Oxygen Monitor design provides:
- No interference with the MRI operation
- Permits continuous, reliable oxygen monitoring in MRI environments, where powerful magnetic fields prohibit metal equipment within the scan room.
The monitor tracks oxygen concentration and immediately alerts personnel when oxygen levels begin to fall due to a helium leak. When oxygen reaches a preset alarm threshold, the monitor activates audible alarms, flashing warning lights, and facility notification systems, thereby giving staff time to evacuate affected areas and initiate emergency procedures.
Protect Your MRI Suite with Continuous Helium Leak Detection
A helium leak can jeopardize the safety of patients and staff, and the operation of multimillion-dollar MRI equipment.
Oxygen deficiency monitors provide a reliable, proven method for detecting helium leaks before they become dangerous.
The Sample Draw Oxygen Deficiency Monitor delivers 24/7 protection for MRI facilities with long-life sensor technology, MRI-compatible installation options, and immediate alarm notification when oxygen levels fall to an unsafe threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do MRI machines use helium?
MRI systems use liquid helium to cool superconducting magnets to extremely low temperatures. These temperatures allow the magnet to operate without electrical resistance, generating the powerful magnetic fields needed for diagnostic imaging.
Is helium toxic?
No. Helium is non-toxic, odorless, colorless, and non-flammable. However, it is a simple asphyxiant because it displaces oxygen. A helium leak can create a dangerous oxygen-deficient atmosphere without any visible warning signs.
Can a helium leak damage MRI equipment?
Yes. Loss of helium can compromise the magnet’s ability to remain superconductive. Significant helium loss can result in equipment downtime, expensive repairs, and, in some cases, permanent damage to the MRI magnet.
Why is an oxygen monitor used instead of a helium detector?
When helium leaks, it depletes oxygen levels. An oxygen-deficiency monitor detects a drop in oxygen levels caused by the helium leak and triggers alarms.
What are some best practices for oxygen monitoring in MRI facilities?
Best practices include installing oxygen-deficiency monitors with audible and visual alarms in MRI rooms, helium storage rooms, cryogenic storage areas, and other enclosed areas where helium could accumulate, and training staff on emergency procedures for oxygen deficiency.
Where should oxygen monitors be installed in MRI facilities?
Oxygen deficiency monitors should be installed in MRI scanner suites, helium storage rooms, cryogenic storage areas, and other enclosed areas where helium could accumulate.
Proper monitor placement should be determined through a facility risk assessment.
What oxygen level should trigger an oxygen deficiency alarm?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines an oxygen-deficient atmosphere as one containing less than 19.5% oxygen. When oxygen levels fall below this threshold, occupants may be exposed to serious health risks, including impaired judgment, unconsciousness, and asphyxiation. Helium leaks can rapidly reduce oxygen concentrations because helium displaces breathable air.
