Handheld Metal Detector Research Articles

Analysis of the Role of Aviation Security and Safety Supervision of The Aviation Security Unit (AVSEC) at Sultan Babullah Airport, Ternate

Security and safety are crucial factors in aviation activities, considering the sensitivity of air transportation that requires certainty of safety at all times. The success of the duties and responsibilities of the Aviation Security unit is measured by their ability to optimize their supervisory role, thus creating safe and secure conditions, in accordance with applicable regulations and free from unlawful acts at an airport. This study aims to determine the supervision of the Aviation Security unit on flight security and safety at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport and the supporting equipment used in its supervision. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The data used are primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained from observation and interviews, while secondary data comes from SOP, literature studies and photographs related to the problems studied. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The research time is in August - September 2023. The results of this study indicate that the role of the Aviation Security unit supervision at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport has been carried out properly according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) starting from checking passenger travel documents (identity), passenger body screening (body search), passenger baggage screening, monitoring the movement of everyone in the terminal, conducting routine patrols in all areas of the airport including the perimeter fence. Supervision with competent personnel who have been licensed. Avsec unit supervision aims to prevent unlawful acts and maintain the security and safety of flight activities. Supporting equipment in carrying out supervision is an X-Ray machine, HHMD (Hand Held Metal Detector), WTMD (Walk Through Metal Detector), EDS (Explosive Detection System), patrol vehicles and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

Safety beyond Sight: Handheld Metal Detectors as Diagnostic Allies in the Management of Children Suspected to have Ingested Foreign Bodies.

Foreign body (FB) ingestion remains a common cause of pediatric emergency department referrals, and the gold standard for detection is whole-digestive-tract radiographic examination. Our study explores whether handheld metal detectors (HHMD) can effectively identify the presence and location of ingested metal objects, potentially reducing the need for additional radiographic examination. We collected medical data from children with suspected metal FB ingestion who were referred to our emergency department (October 2017-March 2023), focusing on object type and correlating metal detector findings with radiographic images. Data from 43 children (39.5% female; mean age: 4 y) referred to our emergency department were analyzed. Coins (32.6%), button batteries (18.6%), and hairpins (11.6%) were the most common ingested objects. Metal detectors detected the presence of FBs in 81.4% of cases (sensitivity: 89.7%; specificity: 100%). Radiographs, taken for 40 children, showed that the most common locations were the stomach (37%) and intestine (33%). The metal detector signals matched the radiography results in 69.8% of cases. According to HHMD, 34.9% of objects were accessible via endoscopy, contrasting with 51.2% via radiography (p < 0.05). While the findings obtained using handheld metal detectors often correlate well with radiograph findings in detecting metal FBs, for an important number of children, this confirmation is lacking, especially when determining the exact location of an object.

Electronic‐Free Traceable Smart Capsule for Gastrointestinal Microbiome Sampling

AbstractNon‐invasive smart electronic‐free sampling capsules have revolutionized the exploration of microbiome‐disease interactions in inaccessible regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, a significant impediment to the broader use of electronic‐free capsules is the challenge of reliably tracking and determining their in vivo location. Variability in patient motility introduces uncertainties in capsule position. Thus, there is a critical need for effective solutions that ensure traceability in microbiome studies employing such capsules. While tracking methods are explored in previous smart ingestible capsule designs, most have relied on RF, imaging, and radiation‐based techniques, limiting sampling volume, increasing costs, complicating design, and raising health concerns due to ionizing radiation exposure. To address these challenges, the design of an electronic‐free smart capsule is introduced that integrates a metal tracer for easy metal detection, serving as a reliable tracking mechanism. The capsule is housed in a 3D‐printed casing and includes a superabsorbent hydrogel serving as both a sampling medium and an actuator within the capsule. The capsule's targeted sampling of the GI tract is accomplished by covering the capsule's sampling port with a pH‐responsive coating. Optimal dimensions and material for the cylindrical shaped metal tracer on the capsule are determined through extensive optimizations, considering factors such as gastric flotation, corrosion resistance, read distance, and omnidirectional detectability. The results of these investigations reveal that a 12 mm stainless steel (SS 316L) cylinder offers the necessary detection and tracing capabilities with minimal toxicity and excellent corrosion resistance under relevant physiological conditions in the GI tract. Validation studies, both in vitro and in vivo, confirmed the capsule's trackability using a handheld metal detector. These findings are further validated by X‐ray imaging and CT scans, demonstrating the metal detector's ability to distinguish approximate GI tract regions and determine the time point of excretion. This innovative approach provides a reliable and cost‐effective solution for tracking electronic‐free smart capsules, enhancing their applicability in microbiome research for both human and animal studies.

Handheld metal detector versus conventional chest and abdominal plain radiography in children with suspected metallic foreign body ingestion: can we safely abandon X-rays?

Ingestion of metallic foreign bodies (MFBs) is a frequent occurrence in children and is commonly diagnosed via X-rays. In recent years, the handheld metal detector (HMD) has been increasingly adopted by several pediatric hospitals as it is considered an effective and accurate diagnostic tool that avoids exposure to ionizing radiations. Sensitivity of HMD has been reported high (99.4%) in case of coin ingestion, but significantly lower (46%) when considering the ingestion of other types of MFBs. We tested the effectiveness of the HMD in diagnosing ingested MFBs in children less than 14 years of age, in our Pediatric Emergency Department (PED). We prospectively evaluated all cases of MFBs ingestion that presented at the PED of our hospital from March 2015 to July 2017. Ninety-eight patients were included. The overall sensitivity was 63.2% (79.5% for coins, 25.5% for batteries and 56% for other objects) while the specificity was 95%. The HMD could have replaced the X-ray examination only if a MFB was detected below the xyphoid process. Based on our findings, a negative result of HMD is not sufficient to exclude an ingestion of MFBs. Therefore, in case of an evocative history and depending on type and size of the foreign body, a radiological investigation is still necessary.

Security Examination Procedures in the New Normal Period and Performance of Aviation Security Officers at Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi Province

Aviation Security officers play an important role in carrying out inspections to maintain the security and safety of prospective passengers. In the initial interview with AVSEC officers at Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi Province, changes in policy, especially in the New Normal Era, can affect the performance of AVSEC officers, apart from conducting security checks on passengers, AVSEC officers also direct passengers who have or are identified with symptoms of COVID-19 to checked separately and also carry out separate checks on passengers who carry sharp weapons or firearms that can threaten and endanger flight security and safety. With this additional performance, it can affect the performance of AVSEC officers, apart from conducting security checks, officers also conduct briefings for passengers. This study aims to find out the security inspection procedures during the new normal period at Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi Province. And analyze the performance of Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers at Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi Province. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection techniques using observation methods, structured interviews, and documentation collected from relevant informants when the writer is in the field. The results of this study indicate that the inspection procedure in the era of adaptation to new habits is the same as the previous examination but there are additional checks or rules such as passengers must wear masks, maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter and examine health documents for passengers who will travel with the help of supporting equipment such as Walk Through Metal Detector, Hand Held Metal Detector, X-Ray Machine. And the performance of Aviation Security personnel at Morowali Airport is in accordance with the SOP set at Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi.

MRI safety for leave-on powdered hair thickeners under 1.5-T and 3.0-T MRI: measurement of deflection force, MRI artifact, and evaluation of preexamination screening.

This study aimed to clarify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility of leave-on powdered hair thickeners by evaluating the displacement force and image artifacts of commercially available leave-on powdered hair thickeners on MRI devices and their response to metal and ferromagnetic detectors. Thirteen types of leave-on powdered hair thickeners were studied: nine hair thickener and four foundation types. MRI systems of 1.5T and 3.0T were used. Deflection angles and MR image artifacts according to ASTM F2052 and F2119 were evaluated. Handheld metal and ferromagnetic detectors were used to investigate whether hair thickeners could be detected in screening before MRI examinations. The hair thickener type had a deflection angle of 0°, whereas the foundation type had a deflection angle of 90°, indicating a strong physical effect. Significant image artifacts appeared only on the foundation type. The foundation type reacted at distances of less than 10cm only with a ferromagnetic detector. Foundation-type leave-on powdered hair thickeners containing magnetic substances exhibited strong physical effects and produced significant image artifacts, and those can only be detected by screening with a ferromagnetic detector.

Using a handheld metal detector to detect ingested hooks and other metallic objects in freshwater turtles

AbstractTurtles can be unintentionally hooked during recreational and commercial fishing operations. While hook ingestion is not always fatal, ingested hooks can harm or kill turtles by damaging soft tissues or affecting digestion. Detecting ingested hooks and other metallic debris in the field is a challenge. As such, we tested the efficacy of a handheld metal detector in detecting ingested fish hooks and incidental metallic debris in freshwater turtles in Georgia, USA. We captured 426 individual freshwater turtles representing 4 species and radiographed 106 yellow‐bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta). Of 37 turtles that tested positive with a handheld metal detector, radiographs revealed 17 (46%) had ingested at least one hook, 15 (40%) had ingested an unidentifiable metal object or objects, and 5 (14%) showed no clear signs of hooks or other metallic objects. All 69 turtles that tested negative in the field and were radiographed showed no signs of metal ingestion. Accordingly, our proportion of false positives was 14% (5 of 37), false negatives (metal not detected in field but on follow‐up radiograph) were 0% (0 of 69), and our overall accuracy at detecting ingested metal with a handheld metal detector was 95% (101 of 106 radiographed turtles). Thus, handheld metal detectors may be a useful tool for detecting ingested hooks and other metallic objects in freshwater turtles.

A Pilot Survey on MRI Screening Tools and MRI Hazards in Malaysia

Introduction: Pre-MRI procedure screening is mandatory to prevent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) hazards. The purposes of this pilot study are to assess the type of screening tools used in MRI facilities and the incidence of MRI hazards at MRI facilities in Malaysia.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: An online Google survey form was utilised to gather information voluntarily from the healthcare professionals working in an MRI facility. The questionnaire was focused on the availability and type of MRI screening tools, as well as reports on MRI safety incidents in the MRI suite. The survey was conducted from March 2021 to June 2021. &#x0D; Results: 26 MRI service providers participated in this survey. Twelve (57%) respondents were from the Ministry of Health hospitals, ten (32%) were from private hospitals, and four (11%) were from university hospitals. Seventeen (65%) facilities indicated they have a ferromagnetic detector system (FMDS) and six (23%) facilities have handheld metal detectors (HHMD). Three (12%) MRI facilities use MRI screening form and one (4%) used HHMD as a single screening tool. Four (19%) facilities reported incidents had happened at their MRI suite.&#x0D; Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of MRI Facilities The majority of MRI Facilities in Malaysia use FMDS as part of screening tools. This is consistent with a recommendation to utilise FMDS by several influential organizations concerned with MRI safety in the MRI environment. However, there are still MRI providers who use MRI screening form and HHMD alone which is not recommended. MRI safety incidents had been reported. We conclude that practices of MRI screening tools at MRI facilities in Malaysia are on the right track but this could be improved. Utilisation of MRI screening form and HHMD as a single screening tool should be avoided.&#x0D; Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging, MRI screening tools, ferromagnetic detector systems, handheld metal detector, MRI hazard

Analysis of the Reliability of Security Check Point Equipment in Inspecting Passenger Luggage at Juanda International Airport, Surabaya

In accordance with SKEP/2765/XII/2010 regulations, all those who will enter the airport area must first be checked through the Security Check Point. The problem is with the equipment used to check passenger goods through the Security Check Point. Work equipment with adequate conditions in a condition suitable for use and properly maintained can make it easier for the operation process to run smoothly so that items that are prohibited or not allowed to enter the aircraft cabin are prevented from escaping. The research uses a qualitative descriptive method, which is arranged systematically from interviews, observation and documentation. Qualitative research is research that is applied to conduct investigations, make discoveries, describe and explain the quality of influence without being able to give a description, measure or describe using a quantitative approach. Based on the results of the interviews and observations, it can be explained that the Security Check Point equipment must be checked regularly and recorded starting from the Aviation Security officer's report to the Airport Electronics technician officer. 4 X-ray equipment only 1 X-ray has problems so the inspection process is sometimes closed, 4 WalkTrough Metal Detector equipment is safely under control for inspection. In some HandHeld Metal Detector tools, problems often occur, the HandHeld Metal Detector report is not attached because if the sensor from the HandHeld Metal Detector equipment experiences problems, the equipment is immediately replaced with a new one.

Assessment of MRI Safety Practices in Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the safety practices used by MRI departments in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study across 113 private and public hospitals was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A survey questionnaire was designed and sent to 113 MRI units. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items under 14 sections for the assessment of MRI safety practices. These 14 sections are related to (i) MRI and its safety, (ii) MRI usage and its safety, and (iii) safety of the MRI technologists and reporting of adverse effects during the usage. The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance document on MRI safety practices was used as a template for this survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistical software for Windows version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Of the 43 items assessed, only 3 items' binary responses (Yes & No) did not differ much. A greater proportion of positive responses for 40 items (93%) regarding MRI safety practices. More than 50% of the participants claimed that their departments lacked a Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Regarding regular safety training programs, less than 50% received training in MRI safety. Handheld metal detectors were found in only 39% of the MRI units. The majority of MRI units in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated compliance with majority of ACR MRI safety recommendations; nonetheless, there are two main items for which the guidelines may not be attained: MRSO and regular MRI safety training programs. By taking into account the limitations of this study, it is strongly recommended to assign MRSO and implement annual MRI safety training to improve MRI safety practices for both patients and healthcare workers.

Modern airport security checkpoints: how do updated screening practices with full-body scanners and TSA PreCheck affect patients with shoulder replacements?

BackgroundOver the past decade, full-body millimeter wave scanners have replaced metal detectors as the primary screening technology in US airports. Few studies have evaluated the activation rates of these machines in travelers with joint replacements, and even less attention has been placed on those with shoulder replacements who might have difficulty performing the arm raise maneuver. Therefore, we sought to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the experience of shoulder arthroplasty patients navigating modern airport security checkpoints. MethodsPatients who received a shoulder replacement at our institution were contacted. Those who had traveled by airplane were asked to report the rate they used and activated the 3 types of security machines (millimeter wave scanners, walkthrough metal detectors, and handheld metal detecting wands). Travelers were also asked about difficulty performing the arm raise, travel delays, inconvenience, and TSA PreCheck. ResultsA total of 138 patients traveled since their shoulder replacement. The overall activation rate of the millimeter wave scanner was significantly less than that of the walkthrough and handheld metal detectors (37.3% vs. 47.5% vs. 43.6%, respectively) and decreased with increasing body mass index. Travelers with reverse total shoulder replacements and hemiarthroplasty reported significantly more difficulty performing the arm raise compared with travelers with anatomic total shoulder replacements (P ≤ .001) but did not travel less nor experience greater delays in traveling (P > .05). Travelers with TSA PreCheck did not activate machines less frequently nor experience fewer delays, but the majority still recommended the service due to reported decreased hassle. There were no significant differences between activation rates and inconvenience levels, stress, and experienced delays (P > .05). DiscussionThe introduction of full-body scanners and quality-of-life factors such as TSA PreCheck over the past decade appears to have greatly improved travelers' experiences at airport security. Modern airport security checkpoints are not a significant barrier to travel for patients with shoulder replacements.

휴대용금속탐지장비 성능 평가 연구

Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the performance of domestic handheld metal detectors to identify the factors that influence the competitiveness of these devices.<BR>Methods: To evaluate the performance of such detectors, the test items were determined and test methods were established. Subsequently, detection, environmental, and magnetic field tests were conducted.<BR>Results: In the detection test, the detection performance did not satisfy the criteria when the detectors were 3.0 cm from the object. The detection performance of detectors based on nonferrous metals was inadequate. In the environmental tests, the detection performance did not change considerably with the detection environment. The safety standards were satisfied in the magnetic field tests.<BR>Conclusion: To enhance the competitiveness of domestic handheld metal detectors, the detection performance, especially that of devices based on nonferrous metals, must be improved. To more accurately identify the factors influencing the competitiveness of these devices, research must be performed at the subsystem and module levels.

Ingestion of metallic foreign bodies: A Paediatric Emergency Research in the United Kingdom and Ireland survey of current practice and hand‐held metal detector use

To describe variation in the initial management of children presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) with coins lodged in the oesophagus. To determine the usage of hand-held metal detectors (HHMDs) in EDs, including their role in clinical decision-making, and training in their use. Online multicentre cross-sectional survey of EDs in the UK and Ireland, with results described using descriptive statistics. Fifty-five (90%) of 61 sites responded. The two main strategies described for lodged oesophageal coins were endoscopic removal or observation with reassessment, dependent on location. For coins in the proximal third of the oesophagus 43/55 (78.2%) referred for endoscopic removal, 6/55 (10.9%) observed and the remaining 10.9% used a variety of methods, including: Foley catheter removal with fluoroscopy, blind Foley catheter removal, referral to paediatric surgery/ENT. Thirty (55%) of 55 used HHMDs, 21/30 (70%) had guidelines for their use, and 3/30 (10%) provided formal training. Twenty (67%) of 30 used the xiphisternum as the anatomical cut-off for assuming safe passage of metallic foreign bodies (FB) beyond the lower oesophageal sphincter. There is considerable variation in the management of oesophageal coins in children, though two dominant strategies were identified. As endoscopy is significantly more invasive than observation, future research should aim to determine whether either is more effective and safer in children. There is a clear division in departmental adoption of HHMDs. However, in those sites using HHMDs there was little formal training in their use, and there are large variations in techniques and their role in clinical decision-making.

Detection of Orthopedics Implants in Vivo by Hand-Held Metal Detectors

Objective: To assess rates of detection of various orthopedic implants by airport detectors with the new security sensitivities. Materials and Methods: Two hundred sixty-one volunteers with 386 implants were asked to be scanned by a hand-metal detector model Garrett SUPER SCANNER™. The sensitivity was set equivalent to the Suvarnabhumi Airport Transportation Security Administration setting for regular security. Results: Of the 386 implants in 261 patients who were screened, 231 (60%) were trauma hardware, including intramedullary nails, plates, screws, and Kirschner wires, and 155 (40%) were arthroplasty implants. Three hundred thirty-five (86.78%) of the 386 implants were detected by the metal detector. The overall rate of detection was 99.35% for prosthetic replacements and 98.05% for plates. All the total knee replacements and 95% of the total hip replacements were detected. The Kirschner wires were not detected. The overall detection rate was 92.54% for implants in the lower extremity, 55.73% for those in the upper extremity, and 93.33% for those in the spine. The detection rate for implants in the lower extremity was two times higher than the implants in the upper extremity and equal for implants in the spine. Conclusion: Most of the orthopedic implants may be detected by hand-metal detector model metal detector used at commercial airports. Total joint prostheses, nails, and plates will routinely set off the detector, whereas screws and wires are rarely detected. Cobalt-chromium and titanium implants are more likely to be detected than stainless-steel implants. Keywords: Orthopedic Implant, Hand-Held Metal Detector, Security

Innovating on top of I&amp;M fundamentals for safer humanitarian demining

In this paper, we explain how the requirements for rigorous, well-defined standard operating procedures, and simple, robust, inexpensive and easy-to-use detection equipment affect key aspects of instrumentation and measurement (I&M) systems applied to landmine detection in humanitarian demining. We also show how fundamental knowledge in physics and I&M, as well as industry's practical know-how (accumulated over the past decades), can be combined with new technological advancements to build devices with improved abilities to detect, characterize, classify and locate buried hazardous objects. We use a handheld metal detector as an illustrative showcase of a relatively simple, lowcost and well-established I&M technology. The challenge is to upgrade such a device with object discrimination capabilities by bringing scientific and technological innovations at three different levels: signal level, feature extraction level and feature interpretation level.

Handheld Metal Detector Characterization Using Spherical Test Objects

Abstract The detection performance of handheld and hand-worn metal detectors is based on observing an alarm indication from the metal detector when a test object is brought near the metal detector. These test objects maybe actual threat items or simulated threat items. The detectability of the test object is dependent on the electromagnetic properties of the test object, its shape and size, and its orientation relative to the magnetic field generated by the metal detector. Small misorientations of a test object, relative to a reference orientation, may cause the operator to incorrectly attribute a higher performance to the metal detector than it can provide. Consequently, to support accurate and reproducible characterization of the performance of a metal detector, orientation effects should be minimized or eliminated. Spherical test objects are presented to eliminate these effects for handheld and hand-worn metal detector performance assessments.

Self-Assembling Intrauterine Device (Upod) Modulation of the Reproductive Cycle in Mares

The present study evaluated a novel intrauterine device for its effect on estrus suppression. The self-assembling intrauterine device (Upod) consists of three 12 mm × 26 mm elliptically shaped units each with a magnetic core and coated with a polymer (total weight 22.5 g). Each magnetic unit is inserted independently from the other. Once inside the uterus, these magnetic elliptical units self-assemble and adapt the lower energy “ring” conformation. In mares, the devices can be inserted at any stage of the estrous cycle without the need for multiple exams. Shatter-proof grade material is used to assure safety for long-term use. The Upod is inserted and retrieved using an applicator and magnetic retriever. In experiment 1, Upods were inserted postovulation in 15 mares during estrus. The mean duration of diestrus was 73.4 ± 36.6 days (mean ± S.D.). Endometrial biopsies showed no significant differences before and after Upod placement. In experiment 2, Upods were inserted regardless of the stage of the estrous cycle in 14 mares. The mean duration of diestrus was 51.3 ± 22.7 days (mean ± S.D). The presence of the Upod was monitored by transrectal ultrasound and an external handheld metal detector. Progesterone was assayed to monitor corpus luteum lifespan, and the mean duration of diestrus was significantly extended in both experiments compared to the control group. Eight mares were randomly selected to be bred the following year, with 100% conception rate post-Upod retrieval.

Exposure to non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation of public risk prevention instruments threatens the quality of spermatozoids

The use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding has evolved to global extent, and insemination doses are often shipped via air transport which requires strict radiation-based examinations. For the determination of effect of non-ionizing radiation (NIR), to which are beings frequently exposed due to protection of airport or cultural event security, freshly ejaculated and cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa were used as experimental model. Following radiation with hand-held metal detector in various exposition times (0, 10s, 15, 30 and 60min-groups FR, FR10, FR15, FR30 and FR60) the spermatozoa underwent motility and DNA fragmentation analyses. Study on cryoconserved semen treated with NIR was performed in time intervals 0, 10s, 1 and 5min (insemination doses radiated before cryoconservation-CB, CB10, CB1, CB5; samples radiated after freezing-CA, CA10, CA1 and CA5). Fresh semen and insemination doses radiated after cryoconservation showed significantly lower total and progressive motility. No effect on motility parameters was detected in semen extended with cryopreservative medium and radiated prior to freezing. Surprisingly, NIR showed a potential to stimulate spermatozoa velocity; however, the effect was modulated throughout the post-thawing incubation. Based on the DNA fragmentation assay, sperm DNA stayed intact. Present study underlines the potential harm of NIR, which is frequently used in everyday life, with overall adverse impact on human and animal reproduction. Current study also points out on interesting short-term spermatozoa stimulation induced by NIR.

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children.

Coins are the most common ingested metallic foreign bodies among children. The goal of this protocol is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of using a handheld metal detector to detect ingested metallic foreign bodies in children. We propose that by introducing handheld metal detector screening early in the triage process of children with high suspicion of metallic foreign body ingestion, the number of radiographs being ordered to localize the metallic foreign body can be reduced in this radio-sensitive population. The study protocol requires the screening of the participants for history of foreign body ingestion and exclusion of patients with respiratory distress or metallic implants. The patient changes to hospital gown and items that could contain metal like eyeglasses, earrings, pendants, and ornaments are removed. The patient is positioned in the center of the room away from other metallic interferences. The working status of the handheld metal detector is first confirmed by eliciting a positive audio-visual signal. Then the screening is done in an erect position with head in extension to expose the neck, from the level of the chin to the level of the hip joint, to cover the anatomical areas from neck to pelvis in a zig-zag manner both anteriorly and posteriorly. A positive audio-visual signal is carefully noted during the scanning for the presence of metallic foreign body. Relevant radiographs are ordered as per the area detected on the metal detector screening. The handheld metal detector was able to precisely identify all the coins among the ingested metallic foreign bodies in our study. The handheld metal detector could not consistently detect non-coin metallic foreign bodies. This protocol demonstrates the accuracy of handheld metal detector in the identification and localization of coins and coin like metallic foreign bodies.

Utilization of a handheld metal detector protocol to reduce radiation exposure in pediatric patients with esophageal coins

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to assess the utility of a handheld metal detector for identification and surveillance of patients with known esophageal coin ingestion to reduce repeat x-rays and associated radiation exposure. MethodsProspective study of children presented to the emergency department with esophageal coins confirmed by an initial x-ray were enrolled. The otolaryngology team used the handheld metal detector to detect and localize the coin on patient. If admitted for observation, the metal detector was used to ensure coin persistence prior to going to operating room for removal. No further x-rays were done if same location is confirmed. ResultsA total of 19 patients (10 months-14 years) with 20 esophageal coins were enrolled. 14 patients (73.7%) were initially detected in the emergency department by the metal detector. 11 (58%) asymptomatic patients admitted for period of observation, repeat x-rays were avoided in 10 (90.9%) patients prior to removal in the OR. All proximal esophageal coins were detected with the metal detector. There were 5 (26.3%) patients who failed initial detection of coin, and all of these were in the mid-distal esophageal location with depth from skin >7 cm. ConclusionA handheld metal detector is rapid, cost-effective surveillance tool to reduce exposure to radiation from repeated x-rays in patients with esophageal coins. In contrast to all prior published studies, which did not objectively examine depth, the distance of the coin from skin surface appears to be a major limitation. Parents have provided positive feedback on the protocol.