2006-09-02 08:50:18 · 8 answers · asked by mongo862001 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
CT scans and tattoos are never a problem. We worry about tattoos with MRI, especially permanent cosmetic make up tattoos (like permanent eyeliner). You can still have a MRI with these tats, but sometimes, they have metallic elements in them that can heat up and cause discomfort. We will still do the MRI, but we will warn the patient that they should speak up if they feel their tats heating up during the scan. Should that happen, we would terminate the MRI. I have done over 5,500 scans on the machine I work with, and I have never had to discontinue a scan due to tats heating up during the scan.
2006-09-03 05:28:57 · answer #1 · answered by Lissacal 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes.
Longer answer: No Problems with CT
MRI is slightly more complex. MR-TIP.com, "the web portal for the 'MRI Professional'", indicates that tattoos have possible safety issues.
First, the vast majority of people experience no problems. However a small number of people experience slight warming or vibration. This is caused by the presence of dark ink containing iron oxides. The tattoo may also adversely effect imaging quality if it is very close to the area of interest.
However, there have been an incredibly small number of cases where burns have been caused by MRI. This requires a number of factors to coincide, including the shape of the tattoo. The second link below is a medical article about such a burn and includes a photo of the tattoo. However it cannot be stressed how unlikely getting a burn actually is. The odds on it happening make winning the lottery look good.
Tell you MRI tech who is scanning you about the tattoo and they can ensure the risk of burn goes from virtually nil to nil.
In the end, there is a reason for you having an MRI. And once you weigh the benefits to your health against the risk of discomfort, the answer becomes a no brainer.
2006-09-02 10:05:06 · answer #2 · answered by Dr GH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tattoos are ok when getting any kind of xray, mri, or ct.
Watch out for any jewelry however. Remove any metal objects you may be wearing before you get an MRI or CT, especially piercings. The premise of this is that if you have a piercing with jewelry in it, if it has any magnetic signature to it whatsoever it can possibly be pulled out of your skin during the scan. Ouch! Also let the technician know if you have any metal in your body like steel plate in your head etc. =) The technician is required to ask before the procedure. Also anything metal like jewelry will show up in the pictures, which may be in the way of what they are trying to look at.
2006-09-02 09:04:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a common myth. In general, there has been no evidence to suggest that an MRI or CT will be affected or affect a tattoo. Consider the Iron levels in your blood, not affected....
Take care.
2006-09-02 08:56:02 · answer #4 · answered by Patrick M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, tattoos only affect you giving blood.
2006-09-02 08:56:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
very possible. Many types of chemicals can be introduced to the human body and not show up for two decades. but your really not giving much info
2016-03-17 06:41:26 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop watching CSI and go to the doctor
2006-09-02 08:55:40 · answer #7 · answered by Richard B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they do not interfer with the procedure. Piercings can cause trouble
2006-09-02 08:54:27 · answer #8 · answered by HK3738 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can will not hurt u at all
2006-09-02 08:54:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋