What's In Me? - MR Safety & Medical Implant FAQs

Question 1

Can I get an MRI with an implant?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on your specific implant. Modern implants are generally categorized as MR Safe, MR Conditional, or MR Unsafe. MR Safe devices pose no known hazards in any MRI environment. MR Conditional devices may be scanned ONLY under specific, clearly defined conditions (field strength limits, positioning requirements, programming changes, etc.) — your MRI technologist must verify those conditions before any scan. MR Unsafe devices pose significant risks and should not be scanned. Always bring your implant identification card to your MRI appointment and inform both your doctor and the MRI technologist about ALL implants, including dental work and surgical clips. This information is for reference only and is not medical advice.

Question 2

What's the difference between MR Safe and MR Conditional?

Accepted Answer

MR Safe means the device poses no known hazards in ANY MRI environment. MR Conditional means the device may be scanned ONLY under specific conditions, which must be followed exactly. For example, an MR Conditional pacemaker might be approved up to 1.5 Tesla with specific programming changes required, but NOT at 3.0 Tesla and NOT without proper device configuration. Your MRI technologist and physician must verify the exact conditions for any MR Conditional device before scanning.

Question 3

What does MR Conditional mean exactly?

Accepted Answer

MR Conditional means a medical device may be scanned ONLY under specific, clearly defined conditions — outside those conditions the scan is NOT considered safe. Conditions typically include limitations on magnetic field strength (usually 1.5T or 3.0T), specific positioning requirements, scan duration limits, and sometimes required device settings changes. For example, a pacemaker might be MR Conditional up to 1.5 Tesla with specific programming changes required before the scan. Both your doctor and the MRI technologist must verify these exact conditions before any scan proceeds.

Question 4

How do I find my implant model number?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to find your implant model number: 1) Check your implant identification card (usually provided at the time of surgery), 2) Contact the hospital or surgeon who performed your implant procedure - they should have detailed records, 3) Look through your medical records for surgical notes or discharge summaries, 4) Use our Scan Card feature to photograph your implant card and automatically extract the information, 5) Contact your current physician who may have access to your surgical history. If you can't locate this information, your doctor can often identify the implant type through imaging studies.

Question 5

Are all hip replacements MRI safe?

Accepted Answer

Most modern hip replacements (total hip arthroplasty) are categorized as MR Safe or MR Conditional, but you should never assume — verify your specific device with your surgeon, the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU), and your MRI technologist before any scan. Hip implants are typically made from titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, or ceramic materials that are non-ferromagnetic. Older implants or those with certain metal components may have restrictions. Some hip implants cause imaging artifacts (distortion) around the implant site, which can affect image quality. Always inform your MRI technologist about any joint replacements before your scan.

Question 6

What happens if I get an MRI with a metal implant?

Accepted Answer

The effects depend entirely on the type of metal and implant. MR Safe implants will not be affected. MR Conditional implants may be scanned ONLY under specific conditions — if those conditions aren't met they may heat up, move, or malfunction. MR Unsafe implants can potentially move, heat dangerously, malfunction (for electronic devices), or cause severe injury. This is why it's critical that your MRI technologist verifies your implant's MRI safety status and exact conditions before any scan. Modern MRI facilities have strict screening procedures, but you should always disclose ALL implants, even dental work or small surgical clips.

Question 7

Are FDA recalls common?

Accepted Answer

Medical device recalls are more common than many patients realize. The FDA issues hundreds of medical device recalls each year, ranging from minor labeling corrections to serious safety issues requiring immediate device removal. We index FDA device recalls in our database, covering everything from pacemaker battery issues to hip implant failures. The good news is that most recalls are precautionary and caught early through post-market surveillance. However, some recalls are urgent and require immediate action, which is why our instant notification system is so important.

Question 8

How do I know if my implant has been recalled?

Accepted Answer

Stay informed about implant recalls through multiple channels: 1) Sign up for our free recall alert service - we monitor FDA databases and will notify you immediately if any of your saved devices are recalled, 2) Check the FDA's medical device recall database regularly, 3) Stay in contact with your surgeon or device manufacturer, 4) Register your device with the manufacturer when possible. Many recalls are urgent and require immediate action, so timely notification is crucial. Our alert system monitors FDA device recalls and provides instant notifications to keep you protected.

Question 9

What if my implant isn't in the database?

Accepted Answer

If your implant isn't in our database, don't panic - this happens occasionally with newer devices or less common models. First, contact your surgeon or the facility where the implant was placed for the exact model information and safety documentation. You can also contact the device manufacturer directly - they're required to provide safety information. For MRI appointments, bring any implant documentation you have and work with your MRI facility to verify safety. We're constantly adding new devices to our database, so check back periodically.

Question 10

How does the Safety Card work?

Accepted Answer

Our digital Safety Card creates a shareable, scannable record of all your implants. It includes each device's name, model, manufacturer, MRI safety status, and any special conditions. The card generates a QR code that healthcare providers can scan to instantly access your implant information. This eliminates the need to remember complex model numbers or carry multiple physical cards. You can share the card via link, email, or by showing the QR code on your phone. It's perfect for MRI appointments, emergency situations, or surgical consultations.

Question 11

Is What's In Me free?

Accepted Answer

The core experience is free for every patient — searching, MRI safety lookups, the Safety Card, and free recall alerts. We also offer an optional Peace of Mind plan ($24/year) for faster recall notifications, full caregiver tools, and priority device curation requests; nothing about the core safety experience is paywalled.

Frequently Asked Questions