Implant Approval Guidelines

1. Only an Authorized User (AU) can approve the safety of an implant for participants being scanned at CFMI

  • A participant's personal physician cannot approve the safety of an implant.
  • A PI of a study cannot approve the safety of an implant.
  • Just because a participant tells you that they have been scanned with this implant previously does not mean you can skip the approval process.
  • The approval process takes time and is not instantaneous. You should expect a reply in 5-7 days. Therefore, you should screen your participants as far in advance as possible to eliminate delays on the day of the scan or the possibility of having to cancel a scan due to an unapproved implant.
  • Please be sure to have as much information as possible including anyof the following:
    • Note of approval from the performing surgeon or other qualified physician
    • Manufacturer's labeling or documentation
    • Report of MR safety testing
    • Description of the material, size and location of the implant
    • The subject has a history of MRI scans with this implant
  • This is the screening form we use.
2. MRI Safety Training is Required to Work at CFMI

Everyone who works in CFMI or is involved in the MRI Safety Screening process must take the CFMI MRI Safety Course. This four hour course is offered on the first Tuesday of each month. Sign-up here.
3. Get the details of the implant from your participant

If they do not have the information, have them contact their physician.
Here are the details needed:
  • Type of implant (e.g., IUD, pacemaker, surgical clip, etc)
  • Manufacturer
  • Model #
  • Material
  • Date implanted
4. Once you have all the details of the implant, conduct a preliminary review

Go to MRISafety.com
  • Search for the implant in their database.
  • If MRISafety.com states it is "Safe" or "Conditional", you can proceed with the approval process. If they state the implant is "Not Safe" for scanning on a 3T system, the participant is not allowed to be scanned at CFMI.
5. Submit a request for MRI Safety Review

Fill out the MRI Safety Review Form
  • Every implant must be reviewed even if MRISafety.com states that it is safe at 3T!
  • Do not enter any PHI (Personal Health Information) in the form.
  • Put any documentation regarding the implant(s) in a separate Box folder and share it with cfmi@georgetown.edu.
  • Be sure to turn on sharing for those with the link but do not send the link in an email.
  • Once the form is submitted an email will automatically be sent the AUs.
  • Wait for approval!