A positive prognosis for MRI in Europe
European health and safety laws deemed harmful to patient care have
been put on hold.
The European Commission has postponed a directive which, if implemented, would have threatened the use of MRI in patient welfare and scientific research.
In 2004, the EU adopted the EU Physical Agents 2004/40/EC (EMF) Directive to reduce adverse health effects (such as dizziness) on those exposed to electro-magnetic fields. Despite its good intentions, the new law would have prevented healthcare professionals from caring for patients during MRI scans. Vulnerable patient groups, such as children, the elderly and those anaesthetised, would have been either denied imaging or forced to undergo alternatives such as x-rays or CT scans.
In March 2007, a coalition of MEPs, patient groups, professional bodies (including the SCoR) and scientists formed The Alliance for MRI to campaign against the legislation, which was to be introduced by April 2008. The Commission has now said it will postpone implementation until 30 April 2012, to allow time for amendment.
Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, commented: "We are delighted the European Commission has recognised our concerns about the prohibitive impact the Directive would have on cutting-edge MRI research, diagnosis and treatment. MRI provides crucial insights into human physiology, health and disease. However, we know from research led by the Wellcome Trust, more than half of MRI research depends on the researcher being able to stand close to the scanner to work with patients and equipment, and this work would have been prevented by the directive."
Posted: 02/11/2007
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