Getting ready for a successful MRI screening involves more than just lying still. Certain materials can interact with the strong magnetic field of an MRI machine, so it is crucial to consider what you wear or don’t wear.
A tragic incident in Westbury, New York, at Nassau Open MRI, resulted in a man being pulled into an MRI machine due to a heavy metal chain around his neck.
The man, 61, was accompanying his wife for a scan when the incident occurred. He was drawn into the machine by his necklace, leading to a medical emergency, according to a press release from the Nassau County Police Department.
Despite being rushed to a local hospital on July 16, the man succumbed to his injuries the following day, as mentioned in the release.
Nassau Open MRI advises on its website that all metallic items should be removed before entering the machine, including hearing aids, partial plates, dentures, jewelry, and hairpins.
Various practices and organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), caution that the strong magnetic field of an MRI machine can attract magnetic objects.
Items like keys, cellphones, oxygen tanks, and even small objects such as coins may cause damage to the scanner or pose a risk of injury to the patient or medical staff if they become projectiles, as per the FDA.
The Iowa Carver College of Medicine’s Magnetic Resonance Research Facility has published MRI safety guidelines emphasizing that the magnet is always active, and only authorized individuals are allowed to enter.
What not to bring into an MRI
Experts and medical facilities recommend avoiding the following items during an MRI screening:
Wearables
- Clothing with metallic threads or fibers
- Zippers, buttons, snaps, or other metal fasteners
- Jewelry
- Piercings
- Watches
- Hairpins and clips
- Tattoos with metal-based ink
Medical devices
- Hearing aids
- Partial plates
- Dentures
- Oxygen tanks
Implanted devices
- Pacemakers
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Neurostimulators
- Metal coils and stents
Personal items
- Keys
- Cellphones
- Coins
- Makeup with metallic particles
- Fingernail clippers
- Pocket knives
- Pens
- Paperclips
- Scissors
- Credit and debit cards
What to wear for an MRI
Precision MRI Group in Florida advises patients to avoid clothing and wearables that contain metal, as this can lead to burns, machine malfunctions, or compromised image quality. Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing, pajamas, and nightgowns are acceptable attire for an MRI.
It is essential to steer clear of compression wear, tight spandex, and clothing with metal embellishments. Some modern clothing brands incorporate metal fibers for various purposes, but these can be hazardous in an MRI environment.
MRIs with medical devices
ARA Diagnostic Imaging in Texas highlights the importance of discussing any implants or devices with a doctor before undergoing an MRI. This includes a range of medical devices and implants, such as artificial heart valves, ports, pumps, artificial limbs, and more.
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, an emergency medicine attending physician in Charleston, South Carolina, emphasized the strength of MRI magnets and the need to disclose any implantable devices to the MRI technician. It is crucial for patients with pacemakers or nerve stimulators to carry relevant information cards for safety protocols during an MRI.
Patients should also be mindful of leaving magnetic items like wallets out of the MRI room, as these can interfere with the procedure and damage magnetic strips on cards.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Nassau Open MRI for comment.
This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy.
