This information is for people with loop recorders who have been sent for an MRI scan at North Bristol NHS Trust.
What is an MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
Are loop recorders safe for MRI?
Yes, it is safe for you to have an MRI scan with your loop recorder but there are some instructions you will need to follow so please read this leaflet carefully.
Will the MRI damage my loop recorder?
No, the MRI will not damage your loop recorder, but the powerful magnet may corrupt the data on your device and cause important information to be lost.
What do I need to do to prepare for the scan?
To prevent the data from being lost you will need to make sure your home monitoring system is working correctly. This could be a device next to your bed that automatically sends data to the hospital, or it might be an app on your phone.
It is recommended that you send the data to the hospital manually immediately before coming in for your MRI. If you are not sure how to do this, please contact your cardiac centre.
It is also recommended that you make a note of the time and date of the scan to pass on to your cardiac centre. This will help them to account for any interruptions to your monitoring whilst you are inside the MRI machine.
What if I don’t have a home monitoring system?
If you don’t have a home monitoring system you will need to attend the cardiac testing clinic before your MRI scan. Please contact the MRI bookings team on the number on the back of this leaflet to inform us of this and we will arrange a cardiac testing appointment alongside your MRI scan.
What if my loop recorder battery is dead?
If your loop recorder is no longer functioning, you still need to tell the MRI department you have one so you can be booked onto one of our weaker strength scanners.
You won’t need to do anything else to prepare.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published October 2024. Review due October 2027. NBT003682.
Imaging Department Contact Centre
If you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know as soon as possible. You can also contact the Imaging Department Contact Centre if you wish to change or discuss your appointment.
Telephone: 0117 414 8989