MRI Safety: What to Leave at the Door Before an MRI Scan - Radiating Hope (2024)

Photo: Highly magnetic objects attaching to the handheld magnet, while non-ferrous metals or non magnetic metals that do not contain iron simply hang loose.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, whichmeans that we use a very large and strong magnet to take pictures. Because we are using a large magnet, we have to take a very close look at any metal objects that need to enter the scan room. For this reason we use terms such as MR Safe, MR Conditional, and MR Unsafe in our department.Even small objects such as an ink pen need to be evaluated before entering the scan room.

MR safe is defined as any object, device, implant, or equipment that poses no known hazards in the MRI environment., meaning they have no magnetic pull and are perfectly safe to enter the MRI scan room without any worries. Some examples are itemsthat are made of plastic, gold, sterling silver, titanium. Our technologists pay very close attention to things you may have and willask you to remove it before entering our scan rooms for your safety. Our equipment in the scan rooms will have a green sticker on them that clearly state that it is safe to be in the scan room.

MR conditional is defined as an item that has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MR environment with specified conditions of use. This means that a physician or technologist will pay close attention to the item. Some objects, devices, implants, and equipment requirespecial safety measures when enteringthe scan room. Some devices or implants may have special instructions and can only be done in certain scanners, so being patient and understanding is a big help to us to ensure you and your child’s safety. Also, some of our equipment used in the scan room is only conditional. You may see tape on the floors in the scan room that indicate thedistance at which the equipment must stay away from the machine to ensure safety. The MR conditional equipment will also have a visible sticker on it to recognize that we need to take these special measures.

MR Unsafe is defined as an item that is known to pose hazards in all MRI environments. These are objects, devices, implants, and equipment are not under any circ*mstances able to enter the MRI scan room. These are itemsthat are highly magnetic, or devices/implants that are documented to be unsafe to receive an MRI.

It is very important for you to tell us about any objects, devices, or implants you may have inside and outside of your body. Each item needs to be evaluated before going into our scan rooms. Things like cellphones, jewelry, and, yes, even credit cards need to be securely placedin a locker we provide for you before entering the scan room. Any implants you may have need to be closely looked at by our physicians and technologists to recognize any special circ*mstance we may need to take for you andyour child’s safety. Never be afraid to ask us questions about anything. MRI Safety is a priority at Cincinnati Children’s.

Contributed by Laura Hanselman (SPEC-MRI) and edited by Glenn Miñano, BFA.