Clinical Experience

I made my first large mistake in MRI this week. I have scanned my first post arthrogram knee on Monday. I could tell there was fluid in the knee, and assumed that it was contrast. I scanned to entire protocol and let the patient go. The patient was a STAT read and had an immediate follow up appointment with his ordering doctor. I sent the images to the radiologist reading and called to let him know that I was sending him a STAT case. I changed the table coil and got my next patient dressed and positioned for their scan. When I came back to the scan computer I had a message. I listened to it and it was from the radiologist reading stating that there was no contrast in the knee and to call him back. He seemed irritated. I went and got the lead tech, asking that she come look at the images and explain how their wasn't contrast in the knee. She looked at the images and explained that on 3 of the series the fluid was not quite as bright at it should be, but that it was a tough one to tell because there was definitely fluid in the knee joint. I called the radiologist, and by this point he had already contacted the reffering office to let them know. He informed me that it was still a diagnostic exam and there was no need for the patient to return for additional imaging or re-injection. He wanted me to know that for future arthrograms what to look for. I was fortunate that he was very friendly and explained the situation without getting upset with me. I will definitely learn from my mistake!