Introduction

In any first week of a new job or in a new environment, it takes a little time to become orientated and to find your way around. This chapter aims to ease those initial experiences so that you will feel more like a seasoned campaigner than a raw recruit. The following are your essential instructions:

• Magnet safety, especially from ferro-magnetic projectiles, is paramount to the safe operation of any MR unit; the MR examination room is probably the most dangerous environment in the imaging department.

• Aside from the magnet itself, the coils are the main items of equipment that you will have to learn to handle (don't break them!), and learn how to position patients comfortably and effectively with them.

• Good patient cooperation is essential for safe and effective scanning: you will need good people skills.

• Typically the most common MR examinations are brain, spine and musculoskeletal but we also look at some others in section 2.5.

• Enjoy the experience!

Welcome to the MR unit

The MR suite will probably be arranged differently from the remainder of the imaging department. It is likely to have its own dedicated reception, administration, waiting and patient handling areas. Security will be high on the staff's agenda and the suite may have its own lockable doors.