25/06/2024
Safety in the MRI scanner is vital. The strong magnetic fields can attract and interfere with metal objects that you might have in or on you (including electronic and magnetic devices). To ensure it is safe for you to have an MRI, you will be required to complete a safety questionnaire.
Objects in your body that can cause particular harm or be damaged include pacemakers, aneurysm clips, heart valve replacements, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal fragments in the eye, metal foreign bodies, magnetic dental implants, and drug infusion pumps. Some of these implants, particularly more recent devices, might be safe to go into the MRI scanner but have to be accurately identified for the scan to proceed. You should take any documents about your implants to the appointment. These can help to correctly identify the type of implant to assess if it is safe for you to have the MRI. Fasting (going without food) for an MRI procedure might be required in some cases.
When you make your MRI appointment, you will be advised of any fasting requirements. Continue to take all your normal medications unless you are otherwise advised when you make the booking for your MRI scan. Please bring any previous X-ray, computed tomography (CT scans), or ultrasound films. The radiologist might like to review the older studies or see if your condition has changed since your last scan.