MRI compatibility of Luxfer aluminum and composite medical cylinders

Luxfer Gas Cylinders sometimes receives inquiries about whether our aluminum and aluminum-lined composite medical cylinders are MRI compatible. The term “MR or MRI Compatible” has been superseded by the current ASTM International terminology: “MR Conditional,” which is defined as “an item that has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MRI environment with specified conditions of use.” Field conditions that define a particular MRI environment include static magnetic field strength, spatial gradient, dB/dt (time varying magnetic fields), radio frequency (RF) fields and specific absorption rate (SAR).

Whichever term is used, the question remains: Can Luxfer medical cylinders be safely used in close proximity to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other types of medical equipment that emit magnetic fields? The general answer to that question is: Yes.

In addition to our own testing, Luxfer commissioned in-depth third-party testing of our medical cylinders, covering all combinations of aluminum alloy and monolithic/composite construction. The third-party test report concluded: “For each cylinder tested, no apparent magnetic field interactions were detected under the conditional used for testing. Thus, each cylinder product may be considered ‘MR Conditional at 3-Tesla or less.'”

Please note that Luxfer’s statement and the cited test results apply only to Luxfer aluminum alloy and composite cylinders and do not apply to valves, regulators, handles, carts or any other equipment that may be either attached to or used in combination with Luxfer cylinders. Always ensure that any such ancillary equipment also meets ASTM or other applicable safety criteria for use in proximity to MRI equipment.