Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool providing detailed images of internal body structures without ionizing radiation. It helps detect, diagnose, and monitor various medical conditions. A common question concerns the safety of piercings during an MRI scan, emphasizing the need for proper patient preparation.
Understanding the MRI and Piercings
MRI machines operate by generating a strong magnetic field and emitting radiofrequency waves. This process aligns hydrogen atoms in the body’s water molecules, which then release signals detected and converted into detailed images. These magnetic fields are tens of thousands of times stronger than Earth’s natural magnetic field. Metallic objects, including piercings, can interact with these powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses. This interaction necessitates addressing piercings before an MRI, as different metals react to magnetic forces and radio waves in varying ways.
Potential Risks of Metal During an MRI
Leaving metallic piercings in during an MRI scan can lead to complications. One significant risk is heating, where metallic objects absorb radiofrequency energy and heat up, potentially causing burns to the surrounding skin. This heating causes many MRI injuries.
Another risk involves the movement or tugging of ferromagnetic metals. The strong magnetic field can exert force on these materials, causing them to dislodge or move within the body, potentially leading to injury. Small objects can become projectiles within the MRI suite, risking injury to patients and staff.
Metal in piercings can also compromise the quality of the MRI images. It can distort the magnetic field, creating artifacts such as signal voids or geometric distortions. These artifacts can obscure the area of interest, making it difficult for radiologists to accurately interpret the scan and potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Preparing for Your MRI with Piercings
Communicate all piercings to MRI staff, regardless of visibility. This allows the medical team to assess risks and determine the safest course of action. Removing piercings is generally the preferred and safest option before an MRI scan.
For difficult-to-remove piercings (e.g., new or in challenging locations), alternatives can be considered. Non-metallic retainers (plastic, glass, or silicone) can temporarily keep the piercing open without MRI interference. Professional piercer assistance may be needed for safe removal or insertion of these retainers.
While hospital policies vary, patient safety remains the primary focus. Informing the technologist about any piercings, even if believed to be MRI-safe, ensures appropriate precautions for a safe and accurate procedure.
Piercing Materials and MRI Safety
Different piercing materials interact with MRI machines in varying ways. Ferromagnetic metals, such as certain types of steel, iron, cobalt, and nickel, pose the highest risk due to their strong attraction to the magnetic field. These materials can heat up significantly and experience strong translational forces.
Paramagnetic metals, like implant-grade titanium and some surgical stainless steels (e.g., 316L stainless steel), are safer. These materials exhibit only weak magnetic properties and are less likely to cause dangerous movement or heating. However, they can still produce image artifacts, particularly if the piercing is located near the area being scanned.
Non-metallic materials, including plastic, glass, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Bioplast, and silicone, are safe for MRI scans. These materials do not react to magnetic fields or radiofrequency waves, eliminating the risks of heating, movement, or significant image distortion. Replacing metal jewelry with these non-metallic retainers offers a safe solution when removal is not feasible.