Your safety in our MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic waves to take clear, detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Gundersen experts use those images to study vital organs like your brain and heart, tumors, infections, injuries and more. Our MRI machines feature larger openings to increase your comfort.
The MRI scanner uses a strong magnet and pulses of energy to produce pictures of your body. You won’t see or feel the magnetic field, but it’s always on—even between scans.
For everyone’s safety, it’s important you:
Keep metal away from the MRI. The scanner attracts metal objects with speed and force. We’ll store your personal items during your exam, but do not enter the scan room with:
- Keys or key chain
- Life Alert device
- Pager or beeper
- Hearing aids
- Cell phone
- Pens
- Pocketknife
- Medicine patches
- Coins or wallet
- Eyeglasses
- Wristwatch
- Hair accessories
- Full or partial dentures
- Studs, rings or other metal in pierced body parts
- Jewelry – with this exception: You may wear wedding rings made of gold, platinum, silver or blends of these metals. If you are not sure what your ring is made of, ask the MRI technologist to test it.
If you have other metal items that are not on the list, keep them out of the scan room, too. Always ask a staff member if you are not sure what to take off before your exam. Don’t guess.
Talk to our staff about your implant. Implanted devices can harm you during an MRI. If you have an implant, you cannot undergo a scan unless we know it is safe. Ask a staff member if you are unsure if the device is safe.
Our staff must evaluate other items before your scan, including:
- Foreign metal objects, especially in or near your eye
- Medication patch with metal foil in it
- Ear or eye implants, or other medical device implants
- Aneurysm clips (unless they are MRI safe)
- Metal plates (unless they are MRI safe)
Never guess if an object or implant is safe. Always ask an MRI technologist when we arrive for your appointment.