MRI Scans and Tattoos

[naomi24]

I had an MRI scan today, and was asked, among other things, whether or not I have any tattoos. I don't - but why would a tattoo affect an MRI scan?

[jno]

old tattoos might contain metal

http://tattoo.about.c...tatfaq/a/mri_scan.htm

[Greedyfly]

I have a few MRI's and have never been asked this question. Remove all metal work, asked about any fillings/dental work etc, asked about metal work in my body but never tattoos?!

[Swanson]

In the make up of the ink?

[ABerrant]

Older tattoo inks contained metal oxides.

The Mythbusters TV show came close to ruining an (extremely expensive!) MRI scanner when testing the myth that tattoos could explode during a scan. They filled a plastic container with metal oxide-rich ink to see what effect it would have on the scanned image but as it was brought closer it was suddenly and violently propelled into the scanner. If the lid had not remained attached to the container the interior of the scanner would have been coated with the ink.

[ChuckFickens]

They did bust the myth in the end though...



(still a good excuse to watch Kari Byron and Scottie Chapman though)

[woofgang]

This has recently been on e rerun of "House" so it might have been in the clinicians' minds.

[naomi24]

No, it wasn’t in the clinician’s mind – it was one of the questions on the form I had to complete, which contained a comprehensive list of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. If it isn’t relevant, perhaps it was there for reasons of damage limitation – a bit like the extensive list of possible side effects one gets with most proprietary remedies.

[chakka35]

How odd, naomi. I am due to have an MRI scan next week and have been through all those questions. But nowhere does it mention tattoos. You'd have thought the medical profession would be consistent about these things.

[ChuckFickens]

I'd take a guess (no offence to Naomi) that it may be age related seeing as tattoo inks with iron in them haven't been used for a long time now.

[naomi24]

Blimey, Chuck, I might have frightened the natives because I wasn’t allowed to wear mascara – but the Ancient Mariner is taking it a bit far. ;o)

Chakka, it was there along with piercings, dentures, and pacemakers. I think it was a standard form. My name wasn’t on it until I put it on it. Maybe they cover all eventualities – like the possibility of people having had tattoos done in dodgy places abroad. I can’t help thinking now that it’s a damage limitation thing on their part – but I must admit I was curious.

Thanks for all your answers.

[Sqad]

Tattoos have a tendency to blur the picture making interpretation more difficult.

[naomi24]

Ahhh .... is that it? Thanks Sqad.

[naomi24]

No problem, Katie. Be my guest. :o)

[Sqad]

Katie.......no problem and perfectly safe.