MRI is safe for most people, but every implant, device and metal object must be checked before you enter the MRI room.
Why MRI safety screening is essential
The MRI magnetic field is always present. Certain metal objects can move, heat or interfere with the images. Electronic devices can malfunction. For this reason, patients and any support person entering the MRI scan room must complete safety screening.
Tell the clinic about
- Pacemakers, defibrillators, cardiac monitors and implanted loop recorders.
- Cochlear implants, hearing devices and middle-ear implants.
- Aneurysm clips, vascular coils, stents and artificial heart valves.
- Neurostimulators, spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators and infusion pumps.
- Joint replacements, plates, screws, surgical clips and other implanted hardware.
- Bullets, shrapnel or possible metal fragments, particularly in or near the eyes.
- Medication patches, glucose monitors, insulin pumps and wearable devices.
- Dental devices, magnetic attachments, dermal implants and body piercings.
- Previous surgery when you do not know whether an implant was used.
MR Safe, MR Conditional and MR Unsafe
MR Safe items present no known hazard in the MRI environment for which they are labelled. MR Conditional devices may be scanned only under specific conditions, such as a particular field strength, body region or scanner setting. MR Unsafe items must not enter the MRI environment.
Provide implant cards, the manufacturer and model number, operative notes or other device information when the appointment is made. The scan may need to be delayed if the device cannot be identified or its conditions cannot be confirmed.
Items outside the body
Before entering the MRI room, you will need to remove metal and electronic items. These may include jewellery, body piercings, watches, phones, cards, keys, coins, hearing aids, glasses, removable dental work, hair accessories and clothing containing metallic fibres, zips, fasteners or underwire.
Some cosmetics, tattoos, medication patches and sportswear can contain metal or conductive materials. Tell the radiographer if you feel heating, pulling, pain or unusual discomfort during the scan.
What if I do not know what implant I have?
Contact the surgeon, hospital or device clinic that inserted it. An implant card or operation record may be required. In selected situations, an X-ray can help identify an unknown metal object, but it does not replace device documentation.
Related Patient Guides
- PG1001 – MRI Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
- PG1002 – What Does 3T MRI Mean? Why Protocol Design Still Matters
- PG1004 – Claustrophobia and Anxiety During MRI
- PG1005 – MRI Contrast Gadolinium Explained
- PG1006 – Whole-Body MRI for Cancer Staging, Surveillance and Selected Screening
- PG1007 – Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Whole-Body MRI: A Simple Explanation
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Can I have MRI with a joint replacement?
Often yes, but the implant should still be disclosed. It may create image artefact and the exact examination may need adjustment.
I had surgery many years ago. Does it still matter?
Yes. Older clips, devices and unknown metal fragments can remain important.
Can I bring a support person into the room?
Sometimes, but the support person must also complete MRI safety screening and remove all prohibited items
| Important: Never assume an implant or device is safe for MRI. Provide the exact details before the appointment. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-1003 [Patient information: MRI is safe for most people, but every implant, device and metal object must be checked before you enter the MRI room.]
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