Safety

MRI is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. Sometimes a substance called a contrast agent is injected into your body to enhance the image. This is always done with a physician present.

Some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it’s important for you to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• You have cardiac pacemaker or an artificial heart valve
• You have a metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
• You have an intra-uterine device, such as a Copper-7 IUD
• You use an insulin pump or other infusion pump
• You have aneurysm clips
• You have suffered a gunshot wound
• You have an inner ear prosthesis
• You were a metal worker (had metal in the eye)
• You have a permanent (tattoo) eyeliner

Any metallic object on your body can affect the quality of the images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you’re pregnant.