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How to prepare for an MRI Scan
Review from Huettel (3rd Edition); Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Chapter 2, Section “MRI Safety” pp 44-55
Preparing a patient for an MRI scan involves several steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely:
Patient Education: Explain the MRI procedure to the patient, including its purpose, what to expect during the scan, and any potential risks or discomforts. Address any concerns or questions they may have
Screening for Contraindications: Ensure the patient doesn't have any contraindications for an MRI, such as having certain metal implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia. Review the patient's medical history and any previous imaging studies to determine suitability
Metal Screening: Since MRI uses a strong magnetic field, it's crucial to screen for any metal objects or implants that the patient may have. This includes jewelry, piercings, hearing aids, dental work, implants, and even certain medical devices like pacemakers or infusion pumps. All metal objects must be removed or declared safe for the MRI environment
Clothing: Instruct the patient to wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal components. If necessary, provide hospital gowns or clothing without metal snaps or zippers (see paragraph below)
Pregnancy: Determine if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, as MRI scans may pose risks to the developing fetus. No measurements during pregnancy
Anxiety and Claustrophobia: Address any concerns the patient may have about claustrophobia or anxiety during the scan. Provide reassurance and, if necessary, offer strategies such as relaxation techniques or sedation options
Preparation Instructions: Provide the patient with clear instructions on what to do before the scan, including arrival time, any paperwork to complete, and where to check-in at the facility
Standard hygienic precautions
Handwashing is highly recommended
Gloves are recommended but not mandatory
If you prefer to use masks, please ensure they do not contain any ferromagnetic parts
After each scan, it is recommended that disinfectants/sanitizers (for head coil and paddings) are used
Appropriate attire to wear during an MRI scan
Recommended
100% cotton clothing (same applies for underwear)
100% cotton bra or remove it
Loose fitting cotton or linen clothing (jeans are OK)
Standard zippers and rivets are usually ok [2,3,4,5]
NOT Recommended
Any compression wear
Sportswear
Jogging pants
Yoga pants
Tight fitting spandex clothing
Clothing with unusual metal embellishments
Skirts and shorts
Prohibited clothing
Fabrics with anti-microbial ("Anti-bacterial", "Odor-fighting", "Therapeutic" or" Heat retaining") or antiperspirant properties (up to 2nd-degree burns)
T-Shirt (or blouse) containing silver microfibres
Brassiere containing microfibres
Prohibited clothing brands
Athleta
Columbia Omniheat
Duluth Trading Co.
Juzo USA
Lululemon
Tommy Copper
MRI Terminology[6]
| Conditional 1 | The object is considered to be “weakly” ferromagnetic, only |
| Conditional 2 | These particular “weakly” ferromagnetic coils, filters, stents, clips, cardiac occluders, or other implants typically become firmly incorporated into the tissue 6 weeks following placement. Therefore, it is unlikely that these objects will be moved or displaced by interactions with the magnetic fields of MR systems operating at the static magnetic field strength used for testing |
| Conditional 3 | Certain transdermal patches with metallic foil (e.g., Deponit, nitroglycerin transdermal delivery system) or other metallic components, although not attracted to an MR system, have been reported to heat excessively during MR procedures. This excessive heating may produce discomfort or burn a patient or individual wearing a transdermal patch with a metallic component. |
| Conditional 4 | Halo vest or cervical fixation device may have ferromagnetic component parts, however, the magnetic field interactions have not been determined. Nevertheless, there has been no report of patient injury in association with the presence of this device in the MR environment at the static magnetic field strength used for MR safety testing |
| Conditional 5 | Object is acceptable for a patient undergoing an MR procedure or an individual in the MR environment only if specific guidelines or recommendations are followed (see specific information for a given object on this website and contact the manufacturer for further information). Please refer to the specific criteria for performing the MR procedure by reviewing the information for the object on this website in the Safety Information section or on the manufacturer's website. |
| Conditional 6 | Static magnetic field of 3T or less -Maximum spatial gradient magnetic field of 720-Gauss/cm (a higher value for the spatial gradient magnetic field may apply if properly calculated). -Maximum MR system reported whole-body-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2-W/kg for 15 minutes of scanning (per pulse sequence). In non-clinical testing, the implant/device produced a temperature rise of less than or equal to 6° C using an MR system reported, whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2-W/kg for 15-minutes (per pulse sequence) of scanning in a 3-Tesla MR system. Contact the manufacturer of this implant/device for further information, as needed |
| Conditional 7 | This device is not intended for use during the operation of an MR system for an MR procedure. That is, this device should not be inside of the bore of the MR system, exposing this device to the time-varying and RF fields activated during an MR procedure. Contact the manufacturer of this implant/device for further information |
| Conditional 8 | Static magnetic field of 1.5T and 3T, only Non-clinical testing demonstrated that the implant/device is MR Conditional A patient with this implant/device can be scanned safely immediately after placement under the following conditions: -Maximum spatial gradient magnetic field of 720-Gauss/cm (a higher value for the spatial gradient magnetic field may apply if properly calculated) -Maximum MR system reported whole-body-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2-W/kg for 15 minutes of scanning (per pulse sequence) Highest temperature changes: <= 6°C at 3T |
References
[1] http://www.mrisafety.com/SafetyInformation_view.php?editid1=166
[2] 2http://www.bmap.ucla.edu/docs/MRIClothingGuidelines.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7964672/
[4] https://www.ismrm.org/safety/2021/MRI-Safety-clothing-poster-2021.pdf
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0363018822001128
[6] https://www.mrisafety.com/Terminology.html
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Archwire (Composite wire)
Brackets Dental (Ceramic or plastic)
Dental FillingsRetainers Dental (Fixed) with fiber wire
Completely non-metal IUD´s such the Mirena
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- (Circle Contact Lenses or Big Eye Contact Lenses) It may contain iron oxide and other metals, which means their use during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential hazard.
- Remove it because such cosmetics often contain iron oxides that create a local artifact and may even result in eye irritation during MR imaging
- May contain metallic particles (like Bigen).
- Many wigs contain metal, so must be removed for scans
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| Archwire (Composite wire) | MRI Safe |
| Archwire (NiTi wire) | Suggested to remove because of artifacts |
| Body Piercings (and Jewelry) | Metallic body piercing and jewelry should be removed prior to entering the MR environment No piercings (jewelries) in the area to be examined (imaging area) Piercings and jewelries made of plastic (Teflon or BioFlex) are OK If it is not possible to remove metallic body piercing (jewelry) and it is not in the imaging area, investigate its composition The patient or individual should be informed regarding the potential risks, the piercing should be stabilized (e.g., application of adhesive tape or bandage) and wrapped Prior to the MRI exam, the patient should be instructed to immediately inform (through the panic ball) the L2 if heating or other unusual sensation occurs in association with the body piercing (jewelry) Take breaks (3 minutes) between high SAR sequences (EPI/DTI) |
| Brackets Dental (Ceramic or plastic) | MRI Safe |
| Brackets Dental (Ceramic with SS slot) | Should be removed because of artifacts in the oral cavity |
| Brackets Dental (Titanium) | Should be removed because of artifacts in the oral cavity |
|
Contact Lenses |
Standard contact lenses do not usually pose a risk for the MRI examination but it is strongly advised to remove them Exceptions: |
| Colonoscopy (in the last eight weeks) | Check whether any endoscopy clips or pill cam were used or placed during the procedure with the patient or through patient's medical records If existence is confirmed or unknown you are NOT allowed to scan Possible Artifacts Patients must be encouraged to squeeze the communication ball if they feel any warmth or strange sensation |
| Dental bone screws | Remove it if possible If it is not possible make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| Dental Crowns: Amalgam, gold alloy, gold ceramic, titanium and titanium alloy, NiTi, some composites, ceramic, glass ionomers, resin, gutta percha, zirconium dioxide | Maybe artifacts in the oral cavity The patient or individual should be informed regarding the potential risks (dislodging sensations or heating) Prior to the MRI exam, the patient should be instructed to immediately inform (through the panic ball) the L2 if any unusual sensation occurs |
| Dental Crowns: ferromagnetic components (Stainless steel) | Make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR <3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| Dental Implants | Remove it if possible If it is not possible make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| EEG Electrodes | Only those that are MR Safe |
| ECG or EKG Electrodes | Only those that are MR Safe or those provided by Siemens |
| Eye Prostheses |
They should be MR Safe Make and model merit investigation |
| Eyelid Weights and Springs | Remove them if possible If it is not possible make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| Glaucoma Devices | Remove it if possible If it is not possible make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| Hip/Knee Replacements | Must be at least 6 weeks post op Make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| IUDs | Make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) Unknown IUDs are not accepted |
| Ligature Wire (Stainless Steel) | Suggested to remove because of artifacts |
| Makeup (glittery) | May contain metallic particles. Investigate |
| Maxillofacial prostheses |
Make and model merit investigation |
| Nail polish |
May contain metallic particles. Investigate |
| Permanent Cosmetics | Once the presence of the permanent cosmetics has been identified (tattooed eyeliner, eyebrows, lips, cheeks and nipple-areola reconstruction) you must investigate the pigments Pigment colors (e.g., brown, black, red, and flesh) typically contain iron oxide A cold compress (e.g., ice bag) or cold wet towel may be applied to the tattoo site Remember that permanent eyeliner and periorbital tattoos may cause local swelling and pain even hours after scanning The patient should be informed of the risks associated with the site of the tattoo The patient should be advised to immediately inform the L2 (through the panic ball) regarding any unusual sensation felt at the site of the tattoo in association with the MR procedure [1] Take breaks (3 minutes) between high SAR sequences (EPI/DTI) |
| Retainers Dental (Fixed) containing steel | Should be removed because of artifacts in the oral cavity |
| Retainers Dental (Fixed) with fiber wire | MRI Safe |
| Scleral Banding (Buckling) | Make and model merit investigation Search into the website of the device manufacturer (up to which field) Try to find information in http://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php Only Normal Operating Mode allowed in 3T Field Max Whole Body SAR < 2W/Kg and Max Head SAR < 3.2 W/Kg Highest Spatial Gradient Magnetic Field for the MR Conditional implant/device rated as acceptable up to a value of 7 T/m (700 Gauss/cm) |
| Tattoos | Tattoos made before the year 2000 are strictly NOT allowed Allowed Tattoos are only those below the sternal angle and older than six months No Tattoos > 20 cm length The patient should be informed of the risks associated with the site of the tattoo The patient should be advised to immediately inform the L2 (through the panic ball) regarding any unusual sensation felt at the site of the tattoo in association with the MR procedure Take breaks (3 minutes) between high SAR sequences (EPI/DTI) |
| Transdermal or Medication Patches | Allowed only if you can remove them Never remove a medication patch without referring MD approval [2] |
|
References |
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Registration through SPUR
Course description
The SPM course is designed for students wanting to be introduced in the fMRI field ranging from beginning to intermediate skill levels. It will provide the basic knowledge of the MR signal, the MRI scanner and the endogenous BOLD contrast reflecting the oxygenation level of the brain´s vasculature. Furthermore, it will cover all aspects of the experimental design, the BOLD specificity and the definition of a General Linear Model (GLM) that will be statistically analysed and optimized by means of SPM12 in order to show significant cortical activations. A practical demonstration of all the SPM12 tools will be given including the batch analysis and the Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM).
Course instructions
- Watch the video for installing Matlab in your PC at home (before the course begins)
- Download SPM12 (from here) and watch the video for installing SPM12 (before the course begins)
- Take and study your notes
- Final Test with a toy example
Limits:
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis
Maximum number of participants is 15
Course will be given in English
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