ACR MR Safety Manual 2026: What Changed for MRI Teams

There is a difference between a safety rule that sounds obvious and one that survives a busy shift. The American College of Radiology updated its Manual on MR Safety in March 2026, clarifying several areas where everyday decisions can become unsafe. The official comparison document shows what changed from the 2024 edition; it is more useful than relying on a summary headline. [1]

Zone III has a clearer definition

One of the changes addresses Zone III, the controlled access interface between public-facing screening space and the MR hazards associated with Zone IV. It is not defined only by the control-room doorway: areas exposed to magnetic fields beyond the scanner room also matter.

The revised language emphasizes supervision by Level 2 MR personnel and restrictions on unscreened non-MR personnel and ferromagnetic equipment. This is an access-control responsibility—not just a sign on the wall. For a straightforward explanation, see our MRI Safety Zones I–IV guide.

More than just checking the Zone IV door

The 2026 comparison expands attention beyond the door, locks and handles. It also includes checking equipment in Zone IV—such as emergency call buttons, emergency switches, monitoring systems and injectors—against site procedures and manufacturer instructions.

Equipment present in the magnet room has to be functional and appropriately used, not merely cleared for entry. [1]

Unused leads and coils are not harmless

Another clarification concerns electrically conductive materials. Disconnected, unused cables or RF coils must not be left in the scanner with the patient simply because they are not plugged in. Insulation and electrical connections used for patient-facing systems must be visually checked before use. These are RF heating and equipment-safety issues, not housekeeping preferences.

Three more details worth noticing

• MR Conditional labels remain conditional. The document clarifies that safety at 3T does not automatically prove safety at 1.5T or 0.55T; heating can behave differently across tested conditions.
• Hearing protection needs attention. The revision notes that ear muffs can shift during scanning and recommends both ear plugs and ear muffs whenever possible.
• Patients get another opportunity to prepare. A new MR Pre-Appointment Guide appendix aims to support screening and patient preparation before the appointment.

What should an MRI team actually do with this?

Start by comparing the updated manual with local MR safety policies, equipment lists, training records and patient-preparation materials. Questions about responsibilities or access control belong with the facility's MR safety leadership. A short news item does not replace a policy review.

For technologists studying the basic distinctions, our free four-zone guide explains the access model without the dense manual language.