Episodes
Trailer
Safety? Check! (Part 1)
The Colombini Incident
Trailer
Conditional 1 is the MRI Safety podcast created for MRI Technologists and those with an interest in MRI Safety.
Designed to stimulate discussion, Conditional 1 aims to form an occasional series covering all aspects of the field of MRI Safety.
To find out more, join me on Conditional 1, available on here or on Spotify, iTunes or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
The Colombini Incident
Safety? Check! (Part 1)
The Colombini Incident
In this first episode "The Colombini Incident", I’m going to be talking about what is probably the single most defining moment in the history of MRI safety, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the disastrous event that inspired a paradigm shift in how we approach MRI safety.
I am of course, talking about the tragic death of Michael Colombini, a 6 year old boy from New York. Now, many MRI Technologists will know the name, and probably know at least that his was the first MRI death caused by a projectile.
But what actually happened to Michael Colombini?
Safety? Check! (Part 1)
Safety? Check! (Part 1)
Safety? Check! (Part 1)
Episode 2 focuses on the safety checking of patients (and others) entering the MRI unit. Why we do it, how we do it, and when we do it. Even after splitting this into two parts it's not an exhaustive look at the process and there is always more to say.
That being the case I would like to ask for your help. Do you have any funny safety checking stories? Horror stories? How about WTF just happened stories? I’d love to hear them all.
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
Episode 3 continues to focus on the safety checking of patients (and others) entering the MRI unit. Why we do it, how we do it, and when we do it. Even after splitting this into two parts it's not an exhaustive look at the process and there is always more to say.
That being the case I would like to ask for your help. Do you have any funny safety checking stories? Horror stories? How about WTF just happened stories? I’d love to hear them all.
In Your Eyes
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
This time I’m going to be talking about an aspect of MRI Safety that has always been one of my favourites, throughout the 20+ years of my practice. I am of course, talking about Intra-orbital foreign bodies or IOFBs.
In this episode I hope to achieve three things. First, I’ll give a brief overview of the relevant anatomy of the eye, and it’s associated structures. Then I’ll describe some of the more common types of calcifications found within and around the eye and how they appear in imaging. And finally, I’ll tell you about the basic method I use to simplify differentiating between them.
Lost in Translation
Safety? Check! (Part 2)
Lost in Translation
This episode I’m going to be taking things back to basics and looking at one of the fundamentals, not just of MRI safety but MRI in general. I’m talking about the ‘M’ in MRI – magnetism. More specifically the static magnetic field.
I'm going to focus on the static magnetic field (B0) and the static magnetic field gradient (dB/dx) and their interactions with metallic objects both ferrous and non-ferrous.
Had a near miss with a projectile in the scan room? This episode will give you all the information you need.
Talking the Torque
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
Talking the Torque
This episode I’m going to be carrying on from Episode 5 - Lost in Translation and talking about torque and it's relationship with the static magnetic field (B0).
Not only that, I'm going to discuss Lenz force and also bioeffects arising from exposure to the static magnetic field such as vertigo and the magneto-hydromagnetic effect.
Lest We Forget
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
Talking the Torque
With MRI Safety Week upon us once again, this episode I'm going to tell the stories of those whose loss should motivate us to do better, and talk about the lessons that should be learned from past mistakes.
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
For Safety Week 2025!
This episode will focus on the time-varying radiofrequency magnetic fields (B1) and it's interactions with the human body.
What is SAR? How high can it go? What affects how hot a patient gets when they have MRI? This episode answers these questions, and more.
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
Keith McAllister of Long Island, New York
died on the 17th July 2025 following an incident involving an MRI scanner and a heavy ferrous chain.
This episode will focus on this horrifying event, what we know so far, and the potential for systemic change.
Stay safe, everyone.
It's Getting Hot in Here
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
Out Now!
This episode will continue on the topic of RF safety, B1+RMS & SAR, as well as strategies for managing both.
You've heard of B1+, but have you heard of B1- ? Maybe there's a reason for that?
This episode will explain it all!
Burning Down the House
The Death of Keith McAllister (Part 1)
Burning Down the House
Coming Soon
This episode will complete the topic of RF safety, focusing on the causes of radiofrequency burns in MRI, and strategies to prevent them.
Do you know the three types of contact to avoid? You will after this episode!