MRI Safety

MRI Safety Checklist

When you make an appointment for an MRI examination, you will be asked a series of safety questions to ensure you do not have any implanted devices that may prevent you from undergoing the procedure.

MRI Contraindications

Many implants are contraindicated for undergoing MRI, or they must be imaged under very specific conditions.

When you book in for an MRI examination, our trained staff will ask you a series of questions to determine your safety to have an MRI.

You will be asked if you have had any previous surgery on your head/brain, heart, eyes or ears. They will also ask if you have ever had a metal perforation injury to your eyes (if so, you may be asked to come in for an orbital x-ray prior to your scan).

Implants that are contraindicated or must be scanned under specific conditions are:

• Pacemaker
• Neurostimulator
• Aneurysm Clips
• Defibrillator
• Cochlear Implant
• Metallic foreign bodies (eyes or body)
• Vascular stents or clips
• Stapes implants
• Ocular implant

If you have any of the above implants in-situ (currently in your body), please contact our MRI department so we can investigate the implant and see if it is compatible before your appointment.

If you have a joint replacement or orthopaedic screws, you can undergo an MRI scan (however there can be some image distortion). Our staff may direct you to specific scanners to get the best results for your examination.

MRI During Pregnancy

Unlike diagnostic x-rays, an MRI does not use radiation to generate the images your doctor has requested. Instead, an MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to generate the images. MR imaging of pregnant patients is carried out when the patient’s referring doctor has decided the advantages of MRI outweigh the potential risks.

To date, there are no reports of injury to children who underwent an MRI before birth. While the number of patients scanned during pregnancy is small, with limited follow-up, in the past several years, numerous pregnant patients have undergone MRI with no ill effects.

If you have any questions about your imaging scans please raise them with one of our staff.