MRcompatible

MRcompatible refers to devices, materials, or equipment that are designed to be safe to use in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment or to function without adverse effects within certain MRI conditions. The term is often used to describe items that have been evaluated for compatibility with the MRI setting, including their interaction with magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and image quality.

In modern practice, labeling distinguishes between MR Safe and MR Conditional items. MR Safe denotes no known hazard in all MRI environments, while MR Conditional indicates safety under specified conditions of magnetic field strength, spatial field gradients, and radiofrequency exposure. The term MR Compatible is sometimes used interchangeably with MR Conditional, but many standards emphasize the more precise conditional classification.

Safety assessment and testing for MR compatibility typically cover magnetic field interactions (attraction, torque, heating), induced electrical currents, image artifacts, and mechanical stability. Standards and guidelines issued by organizations such as ASTM International and IEC provide testing protocols and labeling requirements to support regulatory clearance in different regions (for example, in the United States and Europe). Medical devices that are not compatible may pose projectile risk, heating, or degradation of image quality.

Common MR-compatible materials include non-ferromagnetic metals, certain plastics, ceramics, and specially designed cables or implants that minimize heating and artifacts. Examples include internal implants designed for MR environments, external monitoring devices, and surgical tools labeled MR Conditional.

Users should consult the device labeling to confirm the exact conditions under which an item is safe in the MRI suite and ensure that all specified limitations are followed.