Although MR research is safe for many volunteers, for certain subjects MRI may pose unnecessary risk. All MRI users at the Martinos Center are required to screen every human volunteer or research participant according to the process outlined below. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in corrective action, or potential revocation of scanning privileges.
MRI Screening Form
Download the MRI Screening Form HERE.
Download the accompanying guide HERE.
For any questions, please review the guide and the FAQ below, or email the MRI Operations Team at mri-time@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu.
FAQ
Is there an online version of the Screening Form?
The MRI Operations team is working on an online version of the screening form in REDCap. We expect this to be available for use in early 2026.
Does a participant need to be rescreened every time we scan them?
Yes, a new screening form needs to be completed for every scan, with the only exception being scans that happen on the same calendar day as each other for the same participant.
Which conditions always rule out a subject?*
- Cardiac pacemaker
- 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
*NOTE: Please always defer to the Core MRI Tech conducting your screening for their final decision. This information is not intended to be used for you to determine a participant’s MRI safety. The screening decision made by the Core MRI Tech and/or Martinos Medical Safety Committee will depend on a variety of factors such as the scanner model, implant model, RF transmit mode, and scan protocol.
Which conditions might rule out a subject?*
- Surgical aneurysm clips
- 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
- Incompatible body habitus (weight/height limiting ability to fit safely in the scanner or meet regulatory requirements)
*NOTE: Please always defer to the Core MRI Tech conducting your screening for their final decision. This information is not intended to be used for you to determine a participant’s MRI safety. The screening decision made by the Core MRI Tech and/or Martinos Medical Safety Committee will depend on a variety of factors such as the scanner model, implant model, RF transmit mode, and scan protocol.
What else do we consider during screening?
- 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
What should participants not wear in the scanner?
- Personal/street clothing (participants are required to change into MR Safe clothing provided in the changing rooms)
- ANYTHING in your pockets
- Metal jewelry (face and body piercing items must be removed)
- Watches
- Hair holders
- Eye glasses
- Shoes
- 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
