POLICY NO.: A107
APPROVED DATE: 06/07/04
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/04
REVIEWED DATE:
MRI
DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY
SUBJECT:
I.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DURING PREGNANCY
Policy
The ACR standard for the performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging states "Safety of MR Scanning
during pregnancy has not been established. The decision to scan during pregnancy
should be made on an individual basis after consideration of medical necessity and
alternate imaging methods.”
It is the policy of the Department of Radiology that the following guidelines will be
followed before performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging on patients who are pregnant.
1. If at all possible, the study should be postponed until after delivery. If this is
not possible, then, if at all possible, the study should be delayed until the
third trimester and as close to the anticipated delivery date as feasible.
2. For all pregnant patients for whom MR Imaging is requested, the following
will occur:
A. Scheduling will screen for all pregnant patients and no pregnant
patient will be scheduled for MR until approved by a radiologist.
The radiologist's name will be noted on the schedule.
B. The clinician must discuss the case with the radiologist and both
must be in agreement to perform the study.
C. The patient will read and sign the information form (see attached
“Magnetic Resonance Imaging During Pregnancy Information For
You”). This is not a consent form. A radiologist will be available to
answer all questions. Signed forms will be kept on file with the MR
supervisor.
D. Note of the discussion with the patient and the signed information
sheet will be dictated in the radiologic report.
3. Contrast is not to be administered, unless the radiologist feels it to be
absolutely necessary for complete evaluation of the individual case.
II. Purpose
To establish a departmental policy for Magnetic Resonance Imaging during pregnancy
III. Responsibility
All Radiology scheduling personnel, radiologists, fellows, residents and MR technologists