Dermal Piercing Guidance

For the technologists (frontline)

  1. Verify the non-removable implants or piercings as being nonferrous before starting the procedure. (Usage of Ferromagnetic detection wand and/or handheld magnet)
  2. Review of prior imaging may be helpful to see what exactly is involved.
  3. If nonferrous, the expectation would be to move forward with the MRI procedure and place a cold, DRY compress over the non-removable implants or piercings if within the RF field.
  4. Depending on the size of the dermal and whether it is located within the area of interest - image artifact is a risk. Consider radiologist scan check if artifact is in the area of interest.

Link below is to review the definition of “Transdermal Implant” and all that is included in this term.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transdermal_implant)

Heating

Ensure the size of the implant is determined since a small earring stud has negligible heating risk, but in contrast a > 2cm metal loop through the nose or a bracelet is an increased risk.

The goal

  • The goal is not to be more lenient about metallic objects such as jewelry, piercings, or dermal implants during a patient scan. Appropriate safety screening should always be followed.
  • The goal is to avoid unnecessarily delaying or denying a scan when a safe alternative is available. For example, if a patient has a swollen finger and cannot remove a wedding band without having it cut off, the scan should not automatically be denied solely because the ring cannot be removed. Staff should follow established safety procedures to determine the appropriate course of action.
  • Again, patients are told to arrive with absolutely all jewelry, piercings, dermal,  metal left at home.

The expectation

Is that a patient must make reasonable attempts to remove jewelry, piercings, etc, assistance from MR personnel may be necessary. Leaving anything on for convenience, patient refusal to remove or because it takes extra time to remove isn't sufficient reasoning. The front desk or MR personnel should provide plastic containers for patients, place a name label and lock inside locker with patient belongings or leave on the floor in patient’s room. Document in Epic all steps taken.

Last updated 8/31/26