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The Metal Detector system for MRI scanning suites, designed by two Midlands-based specialists Metrasens and Smallfry.

A unique metal detection system for MRI scanning suites, designed by Metrasens and Smallfry, two Midlands-based specialists, is already saving money and saving lives across the UK and in the US.

The central magnet in an MRI scanner has such a powerful attraction to ferrous metals, that it can hurl a porter's trolley through a room, or rip a device from the body of a patient.

According to a recent US study, incidents occur in every 1000 scans, so by immediately alerting clinicians to any trace of ferrous metal entering the MRI scanning suite, the new Metrasens Ferroguard system can have a dramatic effect on improving patient safety.

A nine-year-old girl has already benefited at Russell's Hall Hospital, Dudley, where she was taken into an MRI room for a head scan. The child was screened with the Ferroguard system and a strong ferrous signal was detected. It was later confirmed by x-ray that the child had two small toy magnets stuck in her nose, which may have ripped through her skin had the MRI scan continued.

A global first, the new alert system was invented by Metrasens Ltd, a spin-out from the world's leading defence technology and security company, QinetiQ, and designed by product innovators Smallfry, who were brought together by Birmingham-based healthcare industry specialists MedilinkWM.

Metrasens' CEO, Dr Simon Goodyear, commented: "The dangers of using MRI scanners can be significantly reduced by using the Ferroguard system. The American College of Radiologists is already recommending that all US MRI facilities have a warning system such as Ferroguard in each of their facilities.

"Our support from MedilinkWM and AWM's medical technology cluster led to our partnership with Smallfry, who brought a level of elegance and sophistication to our product that has received great reactions from our customers. Their sourcing and manufacturing knowledge has undoubtedly helped us improve our commercial proposition and delivered real competitive advantage."

Smallfry's CEO, Steve May-Russell, added: "The commercial opportunity for this system is very exciting. Our understanding of manufacturing processes and assembly techniques has helped Metrasens enhance their product and styling, as well as reducing assembly time significantly. The need for an effective detection system is clear, and Metrasens has used Smallfry's design and intuitive warning beacon display to help realise the full market potential of their technology."

MedilinkWM's CEO, Tony Davis, said: "Inventions like the Ferroguard system have global significance in the progression of healthcare, and demonstrate the region's strength in medical technology. It's a mark of the resource, expertise and passion for medical technology in the West Midlands that this global product has been developed and trialled here so successfully. By attracting the elite of industry, academia and research, the West Midlands is punching above its weight on both sides of the pond and by working together to develop new products, both Metrasens and Smallfry are raising standards that will improve patient safety in hospital."

MedilinkWM develops business networks for medical and healthcare companies, resulting in commercial ventures and business growth in the region. By bridging the gap between those who innovate and those who manufacture, MedilinkWM increases the viability of companies in the market through technology and knowledge transfer from Universities and the NHS. Sharing advance knowledge of academic and private research, clinical developments and industrial opportunities, MedilinkWM encourages businesses to develop new revenue streams and new products as well as helping diversification from other industries.

Medilink West Midlands Ltd influences and guides public sector initiatives at regional and national level for the benefit of companies, and drives research and development by identifying potential markets for growth and new product commercialisation.

Source: News in Medical News today