Although MR research is safe for most volunteers, for certain subjects, MRI may pose unnecessary risk. Most contraindications that would rule out a subject involve metallic foreign bodies, however, there are several other concerns of which investigators should be aware. If any question exists regarding a subject’s MR compatibility contact the technical staff or the subject must not be scanned. After pre-screening your subject prior to the date of their scheduled scan, send a completed copy of the MRI screening form to mri-time@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu for approval.
Screening and Consent Forms
In addition to screening subjects thoroughly before scheduling them for MRI, everyone must fill out and sign all appropriate Consent and Screening Forms prior to entering the magnet. The MRI screening form is required to be filled out on the date of the scheduled MRI.
Conditions that Rule Out a Subject
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Surgical aneurysm clips
- Neurostimulator
- Implanted pumps
- Metal fragments in body / eyes- (requires x-ray imaging prior to MRI clearance)
- Pregnancy
- Medication patches (rule out if subject cannot remove patch)
- Colored contact lenses should not be worn in scanner
- Cochlear implants *
*Check the list of magnet compatible and incompatible products published by Shellock and Kanal posted at each magnet bay and check with MR Technical staff.
Conditions that Might Rule Out a Subject
- Metal rods, plates or screws in body
- Injury to eyes involving metal (subject must have X-ray exam to rule out fragments)
- Previous surgery resulting in foreign or implanted material
- IUD/Contraceptive Devices
- Hearing aid (should be removed before scanning)
- Removable dental work (should be removed before scanning)
- History of vestibular or inner ear abnormality such as Meniere’s Disease
- Prosthetic heart valve
- Breast feeding (rule out if using Gadolinium)
- Braces (causes severe frontal artifact; rule out for EPI)
- Hair extensions (most are connected with wire, causes severe artifact)
- Tattoos or permanent eyeliner
Other Screening Considerations
- Claustrophobia
- Physical discomfort (body size, back or neck pain, etc.)
- Movement disorders (i.e. ticks, restless legs, etc., that may cause movement artifact)
- Vision / Hearing problems
- Problems using response devices
Things Not to Bring or Wear in the Scanner
- ANYTHING in your pockets
- Metal jewelry (face and body piercing items should be removed if possible)
- Watches
- Hair holders
- Eye glasses
- Metal on clothing (i.e. metal buttons, snaps or trimming, underwire bras, belt buckles)
- Eye shadow (many contain metallic specks that can heat up)
- Colored contact lenses (remind subject to bring a case to store contacts in during scanning)
- Metallic manicure/pedicure
For More Information
If you have any doubts whether a subject is magnet compatible, do not scan. Contact mri-time@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu.
For additional MR safety information visit the MR Safety Website
