MRI Safety Screening Recommendations

Before Arriving at the BMC:

• Review metal screening form responses carefully for implants or foreign bodies. If present, research the details to exclude ineligible subjects. Contact Roger Woods or Jeff Alger for final clearance of implants.
• Explain to subjects that they will need to remove and store any metal items during the scan and that they will be asked to fully empty their pockets and remove any unsafe clothing items before they enter the scan room. Advise them that they will also be screened for unsafe items with a special metal detector specifically designed for use prior to MRI scans.
• Instruct the subject to only bring what is absolutely necessary to the MRI area. You can reduce risks and the time required to get your subject in the scanner if you have them:
  • Dress appropropriately
    • Pants without pockets preferred (e.g., sweat pants); avoid pants with more than two front and two back pockets.
    • Minimize zippers, buckles and snaps on pants
    • Avoid belts
    • Avoid shirts, blouses, sweaters or sweat shirts that have metal zippers, buckles or snaps. Plain shirts, blouses or teeshirts are preferred
    • Under-wire bras or bras with metal clips should be avoided. Sports bras are fine.
    • Avoid steel toed boots or shoes, shoes with metal or magnets
    • Avoid hairpins, barrettes or other metal hair items.
  • Leave unsafe items at home:
    • Knives or weapons of any kind
    • Lighters
    • Valuable jewelry (necklaces, watches, bracelets, rings, etc.), even if not ferromagnetic
  • Remove body piercings
  • If in doubt, leave the item at home.

Upon Arrival at the BMC:

• Review the metal screening form again with the subject to assure no items were missed or misunderstood
• Explain the importance of removing all unsafe items from their person before entering the magnet room.
• Once again, explain to subjects that they will need to remove and store any metal items during the scan and that they will be asked to fully empty their pockets and remove any unsafe clothing items before they enter the scan room. Advise them that they will also be screened for unsafe items with a special metal detector specifically designed for use prior to MRI scans.
• Ask if they have body piercings in place that they need to remove privatey in the rest room

Immediately before the scan in the MRI Control Room:

• Carefully observe subjects as they remove all items from their pockets, jewelry from their body and electronic devices from belts or pockets
• Specifically inquire about commonly overlooked items: wristwatches, cell phones or pagers.
• Have the subject check all pockets a second time, turning them inside out if possible to demonstrate that they are empty.
• If subjects are not wearing appropriate clothing, ask them to change into a hospital gown in the restroom.
• After all other screening is complete, screen the subject with the ferromagnetic screening wand, having the subject remove any detected items. If you find a item with the ferromagnetic screening wand, this indicates that your screening procedure has FAILED. Review the procedures and make corrections to your procedure before your next scan.

Updated April 8, 2008