Over time, ink that’s put into the skin for a tattoo can migrate to other areas of the body, Weill Cornell physicians explained in Clinical Imaging. Tell the radiographer immediately if you feel any discomfort or heat in your tattoo during the scan.Radiologists have yet another conundrum to contend with during exams: tattoo ink that may mimic lymph node abnormalities, researchers warned Friday. Some tattoo ink contains traces of metal, but most tattoos are safe in an MRI scanner. surgical clips or staples – used to close wounds after an operation.tubal ligation clips – used in female sterilisation.artificial joints – such as those used for a hip replacement or knee replacement.an intrauterine device (IUD) – a contraceptive device made of plastic and copper that fits inside the womb.eye implants – such as small metal clips used to hold the retina in place.penile implants – used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence).
prosthetic (artificial) metal heart valves.metallic fragments in or near your eyes or blood vessels (common in people who do welding or metalwork for a living).brain aneurysm clips – small metal clips used to seal blood vessels in the brain that would otherwise be at risk of rupturing (bursting).a drug pump implant – used to treat long-term pain by delivering painkilling medication directly to an area of the body, such as the lower back.a cochlear implant – a device similar to a hearing aid that's surgically implanted inside the ear.a nerve stimulator – an electrical implant used to treat long-term nerve pain.metal plates, wires, screws or rods – used during surgery for bone fractures.an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – a similar device to a pacemaker that uses electrical shocks to regulate heartbeats.a pacemaker – a small electrical device used to control an irregular heartbeat.You may need to have an X-ray if you're unsure about any metal fragments in your body.Įxamples of metal implants or fragments include: They can decide on a case-by-case basis if there are any risks, or if further measures need to be taken to ensure the scan is as safe as possible.įor example, it may be possible to make a pacemaker or defibrillator MRI-safe, or to monitor your heart rhythm during the procedure. Having something metallic in your body doesn't necessarily mean you can't have an MRI scan, but it's important for medical staff carrying out the scan to be aware of it. MRI scans aren't usually recommended for pregnant women.Īlthough they're thought to be generally safe to use in later pregnancy (after 3 months), it's not known whether the strong magnetic fields have any long-term effects on the developing baby. The strong magnets used during the scan can affect any metal implants or fragments in your body. you think you have any metal in your body.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very safe and most people are able to have the procedure.īut in some instances an MRI scan may not be recommended.īefore having an MRI scan, you should tell medical staff if: