MRI referral questions are the first stage in the robust MRI screening procedure and help ensure a safe and efficient scanning service. Accurate completion of the MRI referral questions is very important for all MRI referrals. Although rare, patient injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of MRI scanning of undeclared implants or incorrectly identified implants. When made aware of patient implants prior to MRI scan appointments being booked, MRI staff can ensure the patient can be scanned safely and efficiently, with appropriate checks and support staff available, where appropriate.
When attending an MRI appointment, patients are asked to go through a safety checklist, as a final check before they are allowed to enter the MR Environment. However, when unable to obtain a full clinical history from a patient for any reason, this crucial final stage in the MRI screening procedure cannot be performed. For this reason, it is essential that the MRI referrer provides a full and accurate clinical history. If there are implants that are undeclared/undetected or incorrectly identified, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient. Similarly, pre-existing medical conditions may preclude certain MRI examinations (e.g. pregnancy or previous reaction to Gadolinium-based Contrast Agent, GBCA).
What follows is some general guidance for MRI radiographers and referrers to follow relating to patients that are incapacitated, unconscious, or for whom a full clinical history is uncertain or cannot be ascertained from the patient.
Radiographer guidance for MRI patients with incomplete medical history
Referrer guidance for MRI patients with incomplete medical history
Risk assessment for MRI patients with incomplete medical history