What an MRI Machine Accident Is
An MRI machine accident refers to unintended incidents involving magnetic resonance imaging systems that result in property damage, injury, or fatality. These events typically involve the powerful static magnetic field, rapid gradient switching, or RF energy used during scans. Common accident types include projectile injuries from ferromagnetic objects, burns from improperly placed cables or coils, and hearing damage from acoustic noise. The FDA classifies MRI-related injuries as adverse events and requires reporting through the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. According to publicly available FDA data, hundreds of MRI-related adverse event reports are filed annually, covering incidents from minor to severe. For a broader overview of device safety reporting, see the FDA’s MAUDE database here.
MRI systems use strong static magnetic fields, typically ranging from 1.5 Tesla to 3 Tesla, with research and specialized systems reaching 7 Tesla or higher. The magnetic field is always active when the scanner is energized, creating a constant projectile risk for ferromagnetic objects. Gradient coils switch rapidly during imaging, causing loud knocking sounds that can exceed 100 decibels without proper hearing protection. Radiofrequency pulses can induce heating in conductive materials, leading to burn injuries if monitoring fails. The American College of Radiology (ACR) publishes safety guidelines that define zones around MRI suites to control access and reduce accident risk. Facilities must follow ACR guidance on screening, labeling, and emergency procedures to minimize MRI-related harm.
Common Causes and Documented Incidents
The leading cause of MRI accidents is the projectile effect, where metal objects are pulled into the scanner bore at high speed. Reported projectiles include oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, gurneys, tools, and personal items such as keys, phones, and jewelry. In one well-documented incident, a 6-year-old boy died in 2001 after being pulled into an MRI scanner at Westchester Medical Center when an oxygen cylinder entered the bore. The FDA investigated and the facility faced regulatory scrutiny for access control failures. In another case, a technician suffered fatal injuries in 2020 when an oxygen tank was brought into the MRI room at a hospital in Mumbai, India, highlighting persistent risks worldwide. These cases underscore the need for strict ferromagnetic screening and trained personnel at every access point.
Burn injuries represent another major category of MRI accidents, often linked to improper use of cables, leads, or coils. Reports describe patients receiving second- and third-degree burns when ECG leads, pulse oximeter cables, or monitoring wires formed loops that concentrated RF energy. The FDA has issued safety communications warning about the risk of heating in conductive loops and emphasizing the need to separate and route cables properly. In some incidents, patients with tattoos experienced skin burns because tattoo ink contains metallic pigments that absorb RF energy. MRI-related hearing loss has also been documented when patients or technicians do not use provided ear protection, given that gradient switching can generate intense acoustic noise. For official FDA guidance on MRI safety, see the FDA’s MRI safety page here.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety Improvements
The FDA regulates MRI systems as medical devices under the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), requiring manufacturers to meet performance standards and report adverse events. The agency issues safety communications and recalls when defects or misuse patterns are identified, and it works with manufacturers such as Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Philips Healthcare to address known risks. In response to projectile and burn incidents, the FDA has promoted the use of MR Conditional labeling, which specifies the conditions under which a device or implant can be safely used near an MRI scanner. The ACR’s MRI Safety Committee updates the ACR Guidance on MR Safe Practices, which is widely adopted