Why It’s So Important to Tell Your Imaging Team About Implants, Medical Devices, and Even New Tattoos

When you schedule an imaging exam, you may be asked several questions about your medical history, including whether you have any implants, medical devices, or even tattoos. While these questions may seem routine or tedious, your answers play a vital role in helping us provide the safest and most appropriate care possible.

Every Detail Matters

Whether you’re coming in for an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, mammogram, or MRI, it’s important to let our team know about any implant or medical device you have—even if you think it isn’t related to your exam.

Examples include:

• Pacemakers and implanted defibrillators (ICDs)
• Heart monitors and loop recorders
• Cochlear (hearing) implants
• Neurostimulators
• Aneurysm clips
• Joint replacements
• Surgical plates, screws, rods, or pins
• Stents
• Artificial heart valves
• Insulin pumps or glucose monitors
• Medication infusion pumps
• Contraceptive devices (IUDs)
• Any other implanted medical device

Even if your implant has been in place for many years, it’s still important for us to know about it.

Why MRI Requires Special Attention

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a powerful magnetic field instead of X-rays to create detailed images. Because of this, not every implant is safe to be scanned in every MRI system.

Many modern implants are designed to be MRI-compatible under specific conditions. However, others may:

• Be unsafe in an MRI environment.
• Require special safety checks before scanning.
• Need imaging to be performed at a hospital or another facility with additional resources.
• Make another imaging exam, such as a CT scan, a safer or more appropriate option.

For your safety, we carefully review every implanted device before your MRI appointment. In some cases, we may need additional information, such as the device manufacturer, model number, or implant card. Having this information available can help avoid delays and ensure we choose the safest imaging option for you.

What About X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasound, and Mammograms?

Most implants do not prevent you from having these exams. However, knowing about your implants still helps our technologists:

• Position you safely and comfortably.
• Produce the best possible images.
• Understand any findings seen on your exam.
• Tailor your imaging experience to your individual needs.

Don’t Forget to Tell Us About Tattoos

Many people are surprised to learn that tattoos can also be important, especially before an MRI.

Some tattoo inks contain small amounts of metallic pigments. While problems are uncommon, certain tattoos may cause:

• A warming or tingling sensation during an MRI.
• Mild skin irritation.
• Image distortion if the tattoo is near the area being examined.

Our team simply needs to know if you have tattoos so we can take any necessary precautions and answer any questions before your exam. This is especially the case if you have a brand new tattoo as its recomended to wait sometime before and MRI.

When in Doubt, Tell Us

You never have to decide whether something is “important enough” to mention. If you’ve had surgery, have an implanted device, wear a medical monitor, or have any questions about something in your body, let us know.

Even if you’ve had an MRI before, new devices or updated safety guidelines may affect your current exam.

Our Goal Is Your Safety

Our screening process isn’t meant to make your appointment more complicated—it’s designed to keep you safe. By sharing information about your implants, medical devices, surgeries, and tattoos, you’re helping us provide the highest quality care while ensuring your imaging exam is performed safely and effectively.

If you’re ever unsure whether something should be mentioned before your appointment, please tell us. We’d much rather have extra information than miss something important. Your safety is always our top priority.