Who should conduct the first screening of a patient before entering the magnetic field?

The first screening of a patient before entering the magnetic field is typically conducted by the referring physician. This is because the referring physician is responsible for assessing the patient’s medical history, current health status, and any potential contraindications for MRI. They are trained to evaluate factors such as implanted medical devices, allergies, renal function, and other important information that could affect the safety and efficacy of the MRI scan.

The referring physician ensures that the patient is appropriate for the procedure, which includes understanding the indications for the MRI study as well as any risks involved. This initial screening sets the stage for subsequent evaluations by MRI technologists and radiologists, who will conduct further assessments and ensure the patient's safety throughout the imaging process.

While MRI technologists play a crucial role in screening immediately before the scan and verifying the patient's safety and comfort, their screenings typically occur after the initial assessment by the referring physician. Radiologists, on the other hand, primarily interpret the images post-scan. A family member is generally not qualified to conduct a screening in such a specialized medical context.