General Knowledge for MRI Scanning Safety

Most scientists believe that the magnetic fields in medical imaging are nonhazardous to the human body. Since standard MRI equipment does not use ionizing radiation, the contrast materials and parts have an extremely low incidence of harmful side effects. Despite these claims, medical facilities should still strive to maintain an extremely safe environment during imaging services in order to prevent bodily damage and even death. Here are some tips to ensuring optimal safety when performing an MRI scan. 

General Knowledge for MRI Scanning Safety 

Most MRI scans occur between 20 and 60 minutes, and patients should not experience any discomfort. In order to ensure optimal safety, patients and medical staff should be thoroughly screened for metal objects prior to entering the scan room. These metal objects are often found inside the body in the form of implants including:

• Pacemakers, which may malfunction during a scan or when near the MRI machine.
• Aneurysm clips in the brain can be torn, which will cause damage to arteries if the magnet from the scanning equipment or parts moves them.
• Metallic fragments in the eye could cause damage or blindness when in contact with the MRI machine.
• Dental implants may be dislodged while in the presence of a strong magnetic field.
• Modern surgical implants such as artificial joints, stents, and staples are less likely to be a safety risk, but patients should consult with their doctor as some orthopedic hardware can distort images in the scan.

Small objects like scissors, paperclips, stethoscopes, keys, and jewelry can serve as dangerous projectiles when forcefully pulled from the pockets or the body without warning. Slightly bigger items such as vacuum cleaners, oxygen tanks, heart monitors, patient stretchers, and IV poles can pose a huge risk as well. 

Most medical facilities will not place pregnant women in a MRI machine due to the limited research of the biological effects of magnetic fields on a developing fetus. The decision to scan pregnant women is determined on a case-by-case basis between the MRI radiologist and the patient’s obstetrician.