Assessment of MRI Safety Screening Practices at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State

MRI safety screening is a critical pre-examination responsibility that prevents potentially fatal adverse events arising from ferromagnetic implants, electronic devices, and projectile injuries within the high-static magnetic field environment. At University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Cross River State, South South Nigeria, where an MRI unit has been operational, the robustness of safety screening practices warrants formal evaluation. This study assesses the safety screening practices applied before MRI examinations at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional observational and survey design is employed, combining direct observation of 120 consecutive MRI screening interactions with a structured questionnaire administered to all 18 MRI-trained radiographers and radiography technologists. The assessment evaluates the completeness of the MRI safety questionnaire process, verbal screening consistency, implant identification protocols, accompanying person screening, and departmental emergency procedures. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis are computed in SPSS. Available MRI safety literature from South South Nigerian MRI centres identifies absent or incomplete implant screening for unconscious patients and inadequate screening of accompanying relatives as the most prevalent safety practice gaps. The American College of Radiology MRI Safety White Papers and the British Institute of Radiology MRI safety guidelines provide the normative standards. Findings are expected to reveal variable screening completeness, particularly for in-patient referrals arriving from emergency and surgical wards. Recommendations address mandatory MRI safety checklist use, emergency and verbal screening protocols for non-ambulatory patients, and regular MRI safety drills at UCTH. Keywords: MRI safety screening, ferromagnetic implants, radiographers, University of Calabar, South South Nigeria.