Course Description
Proper patient positioning is essential for all medical imaging modalities. It is not merely about safely placing a patient on an imaging table; it involves using a careful and strategic approach to ensure that the anatomical region of interest (ROI) is appropriately visualized and free from artifacts. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions, patient positioning is vital to obtain good quality images to make an accurate diagnosis; however, it is only one component out of many that are needed to achieve a successful and safely performed imaging study. Other key components include safety considerations, choosing the correct radiofrequency (RF) coil, and patient localization techniques aligned with using appropriate topographic anatomical landmarks in order to achieve accurate positioning. Even slight deviations from the correct position can result in distorted or blurry images, compromising the diagnostic integrity of the scan, image misinterpretation, inaccurate diagnoses, and treatment delays, all of which can affect patient outcomes. Poor positioning often necessitates repeat imaging, which not only increases healthcare costs, but also can cause the patient discomfort or pain, leading to increased anxiety, and an overall negative experience. The goal of this course is to address all of these issues for licensed technologists and those assisting with imaging responsibilities, both on-site and remotely.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, participants should be able to:

• IDENTIFY standard anatomical positioning and planes and their relationships to MR imaging of the breast, abdomen, thorax, and pelvis.
• DEFINE patient positioning related terminology and topographic anatomical concepts for MR imaging of the breast, abdomen, thorax, and pelvis.
• RECALL basic MRI terminology, pieces of MR equipment, radiofrequency coils, and coil selection relevant to patient positioning techniques and successful imaging studies.
• OUTLINE the key topographical landmarks and anatomy used to perform MR imaging of the breast, abdomen, thorax, and pelvis.
• SUMMARIZE various positioning techniques used for MR imaging of the breast, abdomen, thorax, and pelvis and associated coil selections.

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit (non-ionizing radiation)

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.