Must Read:
This policy provides guidance as to how to proceed with 1.5T and 3T MRI scanning of patients with shunts of both non-programmable and programmable types.
NHSL Policy: The NHSL Policy will be as per GGC Policy, with a small statement added (“Never assume a historical MR scan assures the patient is safe to scan, shunt programmability must be established.”):
NHS GGC MRI safety policy for patients with shunts is as follows. If the shunt is known not to be a programmable shunt, then 1.5T and 3T MRI may safely proceed. If it is established that a shunt is a programmable device, then follow the instructions outlined in the instructions for use for that particular device. This will typically include, ensuring that the post MRI device settings are the same as the pre MRI settings. Never assume a historical MR scan assures the patient is safe to scan, shunt programmability must be established. Currently NHS Lanarkshire does not have the capability to check pre or post MRI device settings and as such cannot scan those with these conditions.