Pistol stuck to MRI machine - GIF

**Altair** · Sep 10, 2022, 12:56 PM

Pistol stuck to MRI machine.

Previously:

10.5-Tesla MRI machine - photos
CT scanner with cover removed - photo
CT scanning a horse - photo
CAT scan machine spinning without cover

**Frank S** · Sep 10, 2022, 03:00 PM

SO I'm guessing there was no way to simply turn the machine off?

**Elizabeth Greene** · Sep 10, 2022, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Frank S

SO I'm guessing there was no way to simply turn the machine off?

There is a button to quench the magnets in an emergency, but it takes weeks to put the machine back in service.

**TrickieDickie** · Sep 10, 2022, 05:10 PM

Quenching the magnet is only done in emergencies, it is possible to damage the magnet that way. Normally it is ramped down slowly. There was once a situation in one of our accounts that a custodian went into the magnet room with a floor polisher (the entrance is clearly marked "Danger Strong Magnetic Field) and of course the magnet quickly ripped it from his hands. The GE magnet suffered cosmetic damage but was ramped down to remove the offending appendage, then ramped back up when the ramping power supply arrived.

**Frank S** · Sep 10, 2022, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Greene

There is a button to quench the magnets in an emergency, but it takes weeks to put the machine back in service.

Thanks, the only MRI machines I have ever seen were in a scrap yard and they were dead as hammers with broken handles
The docs. wanted to put me in one of those machines in 87 when part of a dozer blade I was working on fell on me causing a compression fracture in my T12. But changed their mind once they x rayed and noticed the piece of old shrapnel encased in scar tissue right next to my heart

**Nick79** · Sep 10, 2022, 07:32 PM

Sooo exactly how did the handgun get into the MRI room in the first place? I have had a couple of MRIs and before I get near the machine I am checked for anything that might interfere with the magnet, or results...

**f800** · Sep 11, 2022, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by Nick79

Sooo exactly how did the handgun get into the MRI room in the first place? I have had a couple of MRIs and before I get near the machine I am checked for anything that might interfere with the magnet, or results...

Working in a hospital for over 25 years, the most likely scenario would be a prisoner ( who had to have the handcuffs removed to enter MRI), caused a situation requiring immediate attention by the attending officer

**hemmjo** · Sep 11, 2022, 06:06 AM

Yeah you do not want to get an MRI if you have a sliver of steel in your finger, or your eye. MRI machines are part of the reason that Helium is in short supply.

**NeiljohnUK** · Sep 12, 2022, 04:53 AM

Rather less wasteful than party balloons though... Disposable Helium cylinders for balloon inflation have become popular for suicide by asphyxiation, another good reason to stop selling them!