Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is among the most sensitive diagnostic tools in modern medicine. However, its precision is highly susceptible to electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. That’s why proper MRI Shielding is not optional—it’s essential.

MRI rooms require two primary types of shielding: radio frequency (RF) shielding to prevent external electromagnetic noise from corrupting imaging data, and magnetic shielding to contain the powerful magnetic fields generated by the MRI itself. These complementary systems ensure patient safety, imaging accuracy, and compliance with industry standards.

What type of shielding is used in MRI?

RF Shielding is used to block external sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from entering the MRI room. Unfiltered EMI can distort imaging results or cause diagnostic errors. RF shielding typically consists of a continuous conductive enclosure—essentially turning the MRI suite into a large-scale Faraday cage. Materials commonly used include copper foil, aluminum sheets, and galvanized steel panels, each chosen based on application needs and project constraints. RF shielding ensures external signals, including cell phone towers, Wi-Fi, and even ambient electronics, don’t interfere with sensitive MRI equipment.

MRI Magnetic Shielding, on the other hand, is designed to control and reduce fringe fields—the invisible extensions of the MRI’s powerful magnet beyond the scanner room. This is critical in facilities where MRI rooms are adjacent to patient care areas, laboratories, or spaces containing equipment sensitive to magnetic fields. Magnetic shielding typically employs high-permeability materials such as mu-metal or silicon steel, which absorb and redirect magnetic flux lines to minimize their impact on surrounding spaces.

“Selecting the right shielding configuration starts with understanding the specific interference challenges at your site. Every MRI installation is unique.” — John J. Gaviglia, Founder of Gaven Industries

Is an MRI room a Faraday cage?

Yes, an MRI room functions as a Faraday cage—an enclosure that blocks all external electric fields, specifically radio frequency interference. This is achieved by surrounding the MRI environment with a conductive barrier that is electrically bonded and grounded.

In practical terms, RF shielding in an MRI room ensures that external RF signals (from power lines, radios, mobile phones, and digital systems) cannot penetrate the space. Without this shield, external noise could degrade image quality, render scans unusable, or delay diagnoses. This is especially critical in high-volume imaging facilities or research centers operating multiple scanners.

RF shielding MRI room design considerations include seamless wall panels, shielded doors and windows, waveguide air ducts, and electrically shielded passthroughs to preserve RF integrity at every penetration.

What is the RF shield for MRI?

At Gaven Industries, our RF shielding solutions go beyond basic enclosure design. We engineer the shielding system as a unified structure, incorporating:

• Failsafe shielded doors with patented air seal technology, much easier to maintain compared to fingerstock doors
  
• RF-shielded windows in custom sizes
  
• IV passthroughs, waveguide HVAC, and filter panels
  
• Integrated magnetic and RF testing to ensure performance specifications are met
  
• Soldered copper system to increase remaining usable space, even in rooms with irregular sizes
  

The RF shield in an MRI room is typically constructed using RF materials—such as copper or galvanized panels—applied directly to wall, ceiling, and floor substrates. These foil layers are carefully bonded at all seams using conductive mesh or soldering techniques to ensure electrical continuity across surfaces. All penetrations—electrical conduits, data lines, HVAC ducts—must be filtered or routed through RF-tight waveguides.

“It’s not just about materials—it’s about the integrity of the enclosure. Even the smallest leak can compromise image quality.” — John J. Gaviglia, Founder of Gaven Industries

Does MRI require lead shielding?

No, lead shielding is not typically required for MRI suites because MRI systems do not emit ionizing radiation, unlike X-ray or CT equipment. However, lead shielding may be present if:

• The MRI room is adjacent to CT rooms or radiation therapy suites
  
• There is a risk of exposure from nearby linear accelerators or radioactive sources
  
• The facility includes sensitive electronics or data systems vulnerable to RF interference
  

In these cases, hybrid shielding solutions may be engineered to address both radiation containment and RF/magnetic isolation. At Gaven Industries, our team evaluates these conditions during the planning and design phase to ensure all shielding specifications align with code and operational needs.

Ready to build or upgrade your MRI suite?

If you’re planning an MRI suite or retrofitting an existing room, make sure your shielding strategy aligns with best practices and field-tested engineering standards. Contact the experts at Gaven Industries to ensure your MRI environment is fully protected from interference—and optimized for clinical performance.