A framework for developing generic implant safety procedures for scanning patients with medical implants and devices in MRI.

UK guidelines for MR safety recommend that MRI departments refer to the implant manufacturer for advice regarding the MRI safety of scanning patients with an implantable medical device prior to scanning. This process of assuring safety can be time consuming, leading to delays and potential cancellations of a patient's MRI. Furthermore, at times the implant cannot be identified, or the implant manufacturers cannot provide up to date MRI safety information. The purpose of generic implant safety procedures is to define a process for managing patients with certain types of implants where the risk from scanning is low. This process incorporates scope for an evidence-based risk-benefit decision to scan some groups of patients under locally approved conditions, without seeking to identify the exact make and model of the implant and subsequent assurance of MR safety from the implant manufacturer. This publication provides best practice recommendations from a multi-professional working group for the development of these procedures. It is supported by The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, The Society of Radiographers, The Royal College of Radiologists, The British Institute of Radiology, The British Association of MR Radiographers, The International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine British and Irish Chapter, and the NHS Scotland MRI Physics Group.