IS YOUR TATTOO A MAGNET?

Many people get a tattoo because they see it as an attractive form of body enhancement and they enjoy the positive attention it attracts. 

However, some times the attraction of a tattoo may be not what is expected.

Some medical conditions and injuries can require a scan for diagnosis or assessment, called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

An MRI works by producing a strong magnetic field and radio waves that create a detailed image of the organs and tissues within the body.

Often, individuals with tattoos do not know exactly what is in the ink their tattooist used, but many inks have been identified to contain heavy metals, such as arsenic, copper, lead and mercury.

If you can cast your memory back to science class at school, you may recall learning that magnets attract metal. Because MRI's work using magnets, this combination can cause problems.

While this is uncommon, there have been a few reported cases of a burn occurring on the skin, if the MRI involves the area of the skin containing the tattoo. If the MRI is undertaken too soon after the application of the tattoo, there is also a chance that the ink may “bleed out” from the design.

It is also possible that the presence of a tattoo may distort the MRI image, when in the vicinity of the scanned area.

The chance of having an adverse reaction are reportedly low, but always let your doctor know where your tattoos are and how long ago they were applied, and then be guided by your doctor on the best course of action.

Senior RN, Kim Murphy