MRI With an Implant: What Information to Send the MRI Team

Contact the MRI department before the appointment and tell it about your implant or medical device. Ask whether it needs your implant card, exact device details or another record. If information is missing, say what you know, what you do not know and where the device was fitted or is followed up, if known. The MRI team must assess suitability for the planned examination.

The FDA advises accurate screening and bringing an implant card, when available, to help staff identify the device. This guide helps adults organize information for an arranged MRI. It cannot determine whether an implant is suitable, replace the department's screening form or give permission to enter the scanner room.

An implant does not automatically rule out MRI. RadiologyInfo, produced by the American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America, explains that some devices can be scanned using appropriate procedures, but staff need to know the exact type and manufacturer. A general description such as ‘a hearing implant’ or ‘a heart device’ may not identify what you have.

Write the name, manufacturer and model exactly as the card or source record states them. Keep the source visible beside the copied information. If a number is unreadable, a document lists several models, or you only remember a brand, mark the uncertainty. Do not substitute a similar-looking product or an internet search result for documented identity.

MR Conditional means that a device has conditions for use in the MRI environment; it does not mean suitable for every MRI. The FDA describes possible device movement, heating, malfunction and interference with the images. Your role is to disclose the device and supply information, rather than decide which scan settings would meet its conditions.

FDA device-labeling guidance explains that a patient card can contain MRI conditions or direct professionals to the fuller safety information. Send the complete card as requested, including relevant information on the reverse. A label or short card is information for assessment, not your personal scanning authorization. Ask the department to explain what remains unresolved.

FDA professional guidance puts the individual benefit-and-risk assessment with the responsible clinician and says that implanted, external and accessory medical devices should all be considered. Tell the screening team about other devices you use, rather than assuming the referral already contains every detail. Also answer its questions about patches, previous operations and metal-injury history accurately.

If you know a device was replaced, revised or partly removed, say so and identify the record. Send component information only when documented or requested; do not assume a card for one part describes the whole system. Ask whether the team needs further details from the implanting or follow-up service. Do not change settings, disable, disconnect or remove a medical device or medicine patch using this checklist.

Contact the MRI service early instead of waiting until arrival to disclose the gap. You can say: ‘I have an implant, but I cannot find its card. What information do you need, and can you tell me which service should supply it?’ Unknown details are an unresolved screening question, not something to fill in from memory or classify yourself as safe.

Ask whether an operation record, device-clinic record or information from the implanting hospital would help. Confirm who should request it, the approved destination and what to do if it cannot be obtained before the appointment. Availability and record-retrieval arrangements vary. Do not assume either that a missing card permanently prevents MRI or that the absence of a warning makes entry acceptable.

Record the date and facility of any previous MRI if known, but disclose the implant again. Leeds Teaching Hospitals specifically asks relevant patients to contact its department even if they have previously been scanned with the implant or were told elsewhere that MRI was possible. Its local instructions illustrate why the current service still needs the information.

Keep any earlier written assessment with its source and date, and ask whether the department wants it. The new team must decide how that information applies to this examination. Do not describe a previous completed scan as proof that every future scan is suitable.

Use one device row for each implant or device you disclose. This is an original communication worksheet, not an official safety questionnaire or validated clearance form. Write ‘unknown,’ ‘not available’ or ‘awaiting reply’ where appropriate. Keep identifying information in the service's approved private process; do not post device cards or medical records publicly on SameCase.

• Arranged examination and department: ___; appointment date, if set: ___; screening contact and actual information request: ___.
• Device or implant name exactly documented: ___; manufacturer and model, if stated: ___; source card/report and source date: ___.
• Body site and implantation date, if known: ___; implanting hospital/service and current follow-up service, if known: ___.
• Replacement, revision, removal or component details already documented: ___; source: ___; uncertainty or missing page: ___.
• Card available / unavailable / unreadable: ___; additional record the department requested: ___; holder and request owner: ___; requested on: ___.
• Previous MRI date/facility or earlier assessment, if known: ___; clearly recorded as history, not authorization: ___.
• Requested information sent: ___; approved destination/method: ___; date sent: ___; department confirmed receipt and readability: ___.
• Review still pending or information still missing: ___; next instruction, responsible service and agreed contact date: ___.

A successful upload or sent message does not establish that the MRI service has completed its assessment. Ask: ‘Have you received the information you requested? Does someone still need to review it? Is anything else needed before I attend, and whom should I contact if no answer arrives?’ Record the answer, person or service and date separately from the original card.

Follow the department's actual screening and preparation instructions, and raise unclear or conflicting advice with it. This page does not give fasting, medicine, contrast or device-management protocols. If you arrive with an unresolved device question, tell staff before entering the scanner room and wait for their assessment. If your clinician says imaging is time-sensitive, tell the MRI service promptly rather than independently delaying care while collecting documents.