Pressure to curb MRI restrictions in EU builds
European MRI manufacturers may get a permanent reprieve if the European Commission (EC) amends a directive that would restrict the use of MRIs in the European Union (EU).
The Physical Agents Directive, adopted by the EU in 2004, limits occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. According to Katharina von Schnurbein, an EC spokeswoman, the European Parliament and academic groups had criticized the directive, saying it would effectively eliminate the use of MRIs in Europe.
Last month, Parliament issued a resolution last month calling on the EC to amend the directive to exclude MRI scanners, reported FDA News.
Oiginally Member States had until April 30, 2008 to implement the Directive. But it was amended by a new Directive (2008/46/EC ), which reset the implementation date to April 30. The delay will allow the EC enough time to commission a full impact assessment, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
The Physical Agents Directive, adopted by the EU in 2004, limits occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. According to Katharina von Schnurbein, an EC spokeswoman, the European Parliament and academic groups had criticized the directive, saying it would effectively eliminate the use of MRIs in Europe.
Last month, Parliament issued a resolution last month calling on the EC to amend the directive to exclude MRI scanners, reported FDA News.
Oiginally Member States had until April 30, 2008 to implement the Directive. But it was amended by a new Directive (2008/46/EC ), which reset the implementation date to April 30. The delay will allow the EC enough time to commission a full impact assessment, according to the Health and Safety Executive.