Diagnostic uses of metal detectors: a review.

Creator(s)

Gregory P. Conners, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2005

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00456.x

Abstract

Metal detectors have been used for diagnostic purposes since 1881. They have been utilised to localise a myriad of foreign objects including bullets, intraocular metallic fragments, swallowed coins and other foreign bodies and medical devices. Rapid detection of metallic objects may facilitate diagnosis or treatment. Metal detectors are diagnostically useful because of their low expense, lack of radiation exposure and ease of use. This article reviews the history of metal detection in the practice of medicine and provides an overview of the utility of metal detectors in current diagnostic practice.

Journal Title

International journal of clinical practice

Volume

59

Issue

8

First Page

946

Last Page

949

MeSH Keywords

Deglutition; Diagnostic Equipment; Electromagnetic Fields; Foreign Bodies; Foreign-Body Migration; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Metals; Pacemaker, Artificial

Keywords

Metal Detectors; Swallowed Objects; Foreign Bodies

Recommended Citation

Conners, G. P. Diagnostic uses of metal detectors: a review. International journal of clinical practice 59, 946-949 (2005).