Preparation and safety

According to the current state of knowledge, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not associated with any risk of biological damage at the field strengths used. The procedure uses neither ionizing radiation nor radioactive substances.

The MRI Lab Graz only carries out research examinations. If there is even the slightest risk with regard to MR suitability and safety, we will not carry out the MR research examination.

Frequent contraindications

Implants and prostheses: Most implants are a contraindication for an MR research examination (pacemakers, middle ear implants, artificial heart valves, etc.). Orthopaedic implants must be checked for their MR suitability for a field strength of 3 Tesla [3T] before an examination. You are requested to enquire about this at the relevant office. The fact that you have already had an MRI examination with your implant is not a sufficient guarantee of safety to be able to carry out a research examination, as in a clinical examination a low risk is justified by the diagnostic benefit and MRI scanners differ in their field strengths.

Dental products: Dental fillings, dental implants (without magnetic adhesion) and short retainer wires (less than 4 cm) are generally not a contraindication. Braces are a contraindication.

Body jewelry: If you wear metallic jewelry in or on your body that you cannot remove before the examination (piercing, earrings, etc.), this is a contraindication for an MR research examination.

Pregnancy and IUD: If you are wearing a copper or gold IUD and would still like to take part in an MR research examination, you must first obtain medical confirmation from your doctor that the IUD is MR-compatible for a field strength of 3 Tesla [3T]. It is also recommended that you have the correct position of the IUD checked by a doctor after the examination. Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy is a contraindication for an MR research examination.

Tattoos and permanent make-up: Blue, black and red colors in particular may contain ferrous pigments. In particularly rare cases, local heating may occur. A large tattoo on the head and/or neck is therefore a contraindication for a research study. If you wear permanent make-up, it is necessary that you obtain confirmation of the MR suitability of the injected substance(s) for a field strength of 3 Tesla [3T] from the relevant institution.

Other metallic foreign bodies: Metallic eye foreign bodies (e.g. from welding work), vascular clips, angiographic stents and coils close to neurovascular structures are a contraindication.

Glasses: It is not possible to perform the examination with your own glasses. If possible, you should use contact lenses for the examination. Otherwise, you will be given plastic glasses suitable for MR on site.

If none of the above contraindications apply to you, there is a very high probability that you will be able to take part in an MR research examination. However, a contraindication in the form of a risk factor may be identified during the personal safety check.