During an MRI scan, magnetic fields are used to create an image of the body. Because the magnetic field can be very strong, metal objects should not be placed in the examination room, because there is a risk that these objects will heat up and cause burns or be attracted to the device. This can quickly lead to fatal accidents and injuries. Implants such as pacemakers can also be disturbed in their function by the magnetic field or impair the MRI image.

To prevent this from happening, medical implants and devices are categorised internationally according to the terminology of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to indicate their suitability for MRI:

• MR Safe
  Objects that do not create a safety risk. These must be non-conductive, non-metallic and non-magnetic.
• MR Conditional
  Objects that do not create a safety risk under certain conditions. One condition would be, for example, the field strength (up to 1.5 Tesla, up to 3 Tesla, up to 7 Tesla, ...)
• MR Unsafe
  Objects that create an unacceptable risk to the patient or staff. These must not be brought into the examination room.

Most medical implants and devices are labelled ‘MR Conditional’ and state in their instructions for use the conditions under which the device can be placed in the MRI environment without risk.

Please visit our shop www.allmri.com for more information and MRI-relevant products. We look forward to hearing from you!