Evaluation of MRI issues at 3-Tesla for a hospital identification (ID) wristband

A recent report suggested that a serious burn injury was due to the presence of the identification (ID) wristband. As such, in lieu of removing or padding hospital ID wristbands in all patients prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), testing may be performed to characterize risks for ID wristbands. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the magnetic field interactions, heating and artifacts at 3 T for a hospital ID wristband.

Standardized test methods were used to evaluate magnetic field interactions, MRI-related heating, and artifacts at 3 T for a hospital ID wristband.

There were no magnetic field interactions. MRI-related heating evaluated at a relatively high, MR system-reported, whole body-averaged specific absorption rate (2.9 W/kg) did not increase above the background level. The artifacts related to the ink used for printing were "small" for one toner and "large" for the other in relation to the dimensions of the printing.

Based on the tests performed, this particular hospital ID wristband is considered MR safe and will not pose a hazard to a patient undergoing an MRI examination. Importantly, it is not necessary to remove this item for a patient referred for MRI.