Screening Subjects for MRI Compatibility

Although MRI 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 investigators should be aware of. If any question exists regarding a subject's MRI compatibility, the MRI Technologist will determine whether or not a subject can participate.

Screening and Consent Forms

In addition to screening subjects thoroughly before scheduling them for MRI, subjects and investigators must sign appropriate consent and screening forms prior to entering the facility.  The MRI technologist will conduct an additional documented screening on-site for subject volunteers.

Conditions that Rule Out a Subject

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Surgical aneurysm clips
• Neurostimulator
• Implanted pumps
• Metal fragments in body/eyes
• Pregnancy
• Nitroglycerin patch (rule out if subject cannot remove patch; foil may heat up)
• Colored contact lenses should not be worn in scanner
• Certain cochlear implants 
• Weight > 350 (also consider shoulder and chest size for the size of the Allegra bore)

Conditions that Might Rule Out a Subject

• Ear implants (most are OK, certain cochlear implants are not)
• Metal rods, plates or screws in body or mouth
•  Injury to eyes involving metal (subject must have X-ray exam to rule out fragments)
• Previous surgery (if metal left in body)
• IUD (most are OK, except Copper-7)
• Hearing aid (should be removed before scanning)
• Dentures (should be removed before scanning)
• History of vestibular or inner ear abnormality such as Meniere's Disease
• Prosthetic heart valve (most are plastic now)
• 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 (if ink contains metallic specks)
• Nicotine patches (those with foil backing)

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)