One of the biggest medical advances of the last 50 years has been the use of MRI and CAT scans. These allow doctors and consultants to see inside a patient’s body without the need for any invasive procedures, such as exploratory (and potentially risky) surgery. They also help identify a whole range of diseases and medical conditions at a very early stage.

However, it’s also important that these advanced items of medical equipment are kept in safe, secure environments with a high air quality. Tecomak Environmental Services provide HTM 03-01 verification services in a range of hospital and healthcare locations. Here we look at how CAT and MRI scans work – and how we can help ensure the suites they are located in meet all their regulatory requirements.

What is an MRI Scan?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the human body. The scanner itself is effectively a large tube containing powerful magnets which the patient lies inside.

Patients who require an MRI often have issues with their bones, joints, heart and blood vessels or internal organs such as the liver and womb. The images produced by the scanner allow medical experts to see how the physical processes of the body are functioning, to diagnose conditions or to assess how effective previous treatments have been.

….and What About a CAT Scan?

CAT is the abbreviated form of computerised axial tomography. A CAT scanner uses a series of X-rays to produce an image of a patient’s body. Patients lie on a motorised table that slides into the doughnut-shaped machine.

CAT scans are better than their MRI counterparts for identifying and diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, cancers, bleeding in the brain and trauma cases.

The Need for the Highest Standards of Hygiene and Cleanliness

Patients having either a CAT or an MRI scan may be suffering from one of a number of life-threatening conditions so may be more vulnerable than most people to any potentially harmful bacteria or pathogens which may be present in the air.

There needs to be a rigorous cleaning regime for MRI and CAT scan rooms, with all the surfaces being disinfected after every patient has undergone their scan. This is because all the patients come into direct contact with the machines and the tables, and they can easily leave harmful microbes behind, particularly if they cough or sneeze. The risks have been exacerbated by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The Importance of HTM 03-01

To further minimise the risk of infection, it is also vital that the air in the scanning room is of the highest possible quality – which is where Health Technical Memorandum 03-01 (HTM 03-01) comes in.

This requires that air flows safely around the room, from clean to less clean areas, and is of the correct pressure and quality. A key component in ensuring this takes place is the air circulation system (known as a critical ventilation system in these environments). Any problems with the air quality and flow could mean that the MRI and CAT scanners don’t function properly or accurately enough.

In order to meet the requirements of HTM 03-01, any such system, whether it’s in any ‘high-risk’ area (this term includes operating theatres, isolation units and maternity suites as well as rooms containing CAT or MRI scanners), is inspected at least quarterly and verified annually.

HTM 03-01 Verification from Tecomak Environmental Services

At Tecomak Environmental Services we make sure your critical ventilation systems comply with HTM 03-01. This means we will measure air volumes and air change rates, pressure differentials, make sure any HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are working correctly and we will also check that all the doors are properly fitted.

Our team of experienced engineers will produce reports which will we keep in our archives for at least five years and we can re-issue them at no extra cost.

If you would like to know more about our HTM 03-01 verification services, you can call us on 01732 852250 or click on this link and fill in the online form on the right of the page.