MRI Safety Information

Safety Information for Prospective Students

Individuals pursuing a career in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) must be fully aware of the magnetic fields that are used and understand the consequences of not following MR safety guidelines. Applicants of the UNMC MRI program will be required to complete an MRI safety screening form. Admission to the program is conditional upon the screening form being reviewed and deemed safe for the student to perform their duties in the MRI environment. Please review the following information regarding MRI Safety: ACR Guidance Document on MR Safe Practices: 2020

Before starting the program, the student will be asked to update their screening form to ensure that nothing exists within the student that might create a health risk in the MR environment. If an item such as a bullet, bb, shrapnel, or metallic fragment are in the body, a potential risk exists in which the item could change position, potentially causing injury. Implanted devices, whether electronic or nonelectronic, need to be accurately documented to ensure student safety when in the MR environment.

Examples of items that may create a health hazard or other problems:

• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Neurostimulator system
• Aneurysm clip
• Metallic implant
• Implanted drug infusion device
• Foreign metal objects, especially if in or near the eye
• Shrapnel or bullet
• Dentures/teeth with magnetic keepers
• Other implants that involve magnets
• Medication patches that contain metal foil

MRI Safety Program Policy

The UNMC MRI program is dedicated to providing safe clinical experiences for students. The program’s MRI safety policy serves to define safe MR practices for students and reflects current American College of Radiology MR Safety guidelines to assure that all students are appropriately screened for magnetic field or radiofrequency hazards.