IMPLEMENTATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICES IN 0.3 TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract

The aim of this work was to assess two issues concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including device functionality and image artifacts for the presence of ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) devices in connection with 0.3 Tesla at 12.7 MHz MRI and computed tomography (CT) scanning. A total of 15 samples of RFID tags with two dissimilar sizes (wristband and ID card types) were tested. The tags were exposed to a several numbers of MR-imaging conditions during MRI examination and X-rays of CT scan. During the test, the tags were oriented in three different directions (axial, coronal and sagittal) pertaining to MRI system in order to encompass all possible situations with respect to the patient undergoing MRI and CT scanning, wearing a RFID tag on wrist. In addition to the device functionality test and imaging artifacts, we also analyzed the reading performance of the RFID reader considering significant factors in MRI scan area. We observed that the tags did not experience physical damage with its functionality remained unchanged even after MRI and CT scanning, and there was no modification in previously stored data as well. In addition, no evidence of artifact was observed in the acquired MR and CT images. Therefore, we can conclude that the use of passive UHF RFID tag is safe for a patient undergoing MRI at 0.3 T/12.7 MHz and CT scanning. However, the reading performance of the RFID reader got affected depending on whether the MRI machine was on or off and also by the angle of the reader antenna.