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As the MRI scanner uses a very strong magnet, there are some safety guidelines that must be followed. Let the staff in the scanning department know as soon as possible if any of the following applies to you:

• you have a pacemaker
• you have an artificial heart valve
• you have ever had surgery on your head or spine
• you have any metallic implants, for example joint replacement
• you have ever had metal in your eyes, for example from welding or metalwork
• you may be pregnant

You will also be asked to remove personal belongings such as your watch, jewellery, keys, credit cards and coins. This is because if you go into the scan room with loose metal objects in your pockets they may be pulled out by the strong magnetic field and fly into the scanner. If you wear your watch into the scanner it may not work when you come out and if you have credit cards in your pocket the information held on the magnetic strip will be wiped off. Metal fastenings on your clothes are all right because the magnetic field is not strong enough to pull them off. However, if they are close to the part of your body you are having scanned they may interfere with the pictures and you may be asked to change into a gown.