Information for MRI procedure

Íslenska / Polski

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field for imaging and is not dangerous if appropriate safety procedures are followed. It is therefore important that you read this information carefully and report any issues truthfully. If you have any questions or you need further clarification, please inform our staff.

Implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, wires or leads.
Aneurysm clip in your head/brain.
Cochlear implant.
Implanted neurostimulator in the brain, spine or elsewhere in the body.
Implanted drug pump (e.g. insulin, baclofen, chemotherapy, pain medicine).
Implanted shunt with magnetic adjustment in the brain, spine or elsewhere.
Blood sugar monitor on skin.
Known or possible metal foreign body in eye, bullet or shrapnel elsewhere in the body.
Claustrophobia or inability to lie still.
Known or possible pregnancy.

Inform a radiographer ON LOCATION ON THE PROCEDURE DAY if any of the following applies to you:

Implanted metal objects e.g. prosthesis, plates, screws, pins/rods or wires.
Vascular implants e.g. coils, stent, venous filter.
Any implants not already mentioned above.
Tattoo or medication patches on the skin.

All objects containing metal must be removed prior to the procedure e.g. jewelry, body piercing, hair pins/-barrettes, hair wigs, glasses, hearing aids, removable dental hardware, artificial limbs, drug pumps and similar items. If some items cannot be removed the attending radiographer shall be informed prior to entering the procedure room.

All clothing must be taken off, except for underpants and socks, and special provided clothing put on instead. Personal clothing and items are locked up in a locker inside a changing room. No items can be brought into the procedure room unless explicitly allowed by the attending radiographer. Height and weight will be recorded (or measured) prior to the procedure, and must be accurate to ensure optimal imaging.

Typical MR procedures take 10-40 minutes to complete and consist of several image sequences each lasting a few minutes. It is important to lie perfectly still during the time the imaging takes place.

For some MR procedures a contrast agent may be injected into a vein. In these cases the attending radiographer needs to know about existent gadolinium (contrast) allergy, kidney disease, kidney failure, and pregnancy.