MRI Safety Screening: Implants, Metal, Devices, Contrast, and Claustrophobia

Overview

MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Because the magnet is always part of the MRI environment, safety screening is an important step before the scan.

Some implants, medical devices, or metal fragments may not be safe for MRI. Other items may be safe only under certain conditions. Do not assume an implant or device is safe unless it has been reviewed.

What You Need to Know

• MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
• MRI uses a strong magnetic field.
• The magnet can affect some implants, devices, and metal objects.
• You may need to complete an MRI safety screening form before your scan.
• Tell the clinic about all surgeries, implants, devices, and metal fragments.
• Remove metal items before entering the MRI room.
• Some MRI exams may involve contrast, depending on what was requested.
• If you are claustrophobic or anxious, tell the clinic before your appointment.
• If you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask before the scan.

Before You Book

When booking your MRI, tell the clinic if you have or may have:

• A pacemaker or implanted cardiac device
• Aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• Neurostimulators
• Surgical clips
• Metal plates, pins, screws, rods, or joint replacements
• An implanted pump or medical device
• Metal fragments in your eyes or body
• A history of welding, grinding, or metal work
• Previous surgery involving implants
• A prior reaction to MRI contrast
• Kidney problems, if contrast may be used
• Claustrophobia or anxiety
• Difficulty lying flat or still
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Breastfeeding questions

How to Prepare

Follow the MRI preparation instructions given when your appointment is booked: Patient Prep (MRI)

General preparation may include:

• Completing an MRI safety questionnaire
• Removing jewelry, watches, hairpins, piercings, hearing aids, removable dental work, and other metal items
• Wearing clothing without metal, if allowed
• Changing into a gown if requested
• Leaving valuables at home when possible
• Bringing implant cards or device information, if you have them
• Arriving early enough for check-in and safety screening

Do not bring loose metal items into the MRI room.

Implant and Device Safety

Some implants and devices are not compatible with MRI. Others may be MRI-safe or MRI-conditional, meaning they are only safe under specific conditions.

If you have an implant or device, staff may need details such as:

• Device name
• Manufacturer
• Model number
• Implant date
• Implant location
• Device card or documentation
• Surgeon or hospital information

If the safety status cannot be confirmed, your appointment may need to be delayed or rescheduled.

Metal Fragments and Prior Injuries

Tell the clinic if you have ever had metal fragments in your body, especially in the eyes. This may include injuries from welding, grinding, metal work, shrapnel, or accidents.

Metal fragments can be a safety concern in the MRI environment and may need additional review.

MRI Contrast

Some MRI exams may use contrast, depending on the body area being scanned and the reason for the exam.

If contrast may be used, tell the clinic if you:

• Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Have had a previous reaction to MRI contrast
• Are pregnant or might be pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have significant allergies or medical concerns

Do not assume every MRI uses contrast. The need for contrast depends on your requisition and the clinical reason for the scan.

Claustrophobia or Anxiety

Some patients feel anxious or claustrophobic during MRI because the scanner is enclosed and the exam can be noisy.

Tell the clinic before your appointment if you are worried about this. Staff may be able to explain what to expect and advise whether any preparation or support options are available.

Do not take sedating medication unless it has been prescribed or approved by your healthcare provider.

Safety Notes

MRI safety depends on accurate information. Always tell staff about implants, devices, surgeries, metal exposure, pregnancy, breastfeeding, contrast concerns, or anxiety before the scan.

Do not guess or leave out information because you think it may not matter. Staff can help decide what is relevant.

When to Contact GNMI

Contact GNMI before your MRI if:

• You have an implant, device, or metal in your body
• You have had surgery and are unsure what was implanted
• You have worked with metal or had metal fragments in your eyes or body
• You are pregnant or might be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• Your requisition mentions contrast
• You have kidney concerns
• You have had a previous contrast reaction
• You are claustrophobic or anxious
• You cannot lie flat or still
• You need accessibility support