Is copper safe in mri?
MRI machines are one of the most incredible inventions to have graced modern medicine. They provide doctors with a high-resolution view inside the human body, aiding diagnosis and treatment plans for patients. The technology behind this medical marvel is fascinating; however, there has been a recent controversy surrounding the use of copper during an MRI scan.
What’s all the fuss about?
Copper is widely used in medical equipment manufacture due to its excellent electrical conductivity. However, research shows that exposure to copper can cause negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches (we know nobody wants that)
The question: when you are going through an MRI scan equipped with copper pieces of equipment or implants made of copper (those kitchen knives or cutlery sets might come to mind). Would it be safe? Well let’s discuss further below:
What really happens when you go for an MRI scan?
Before we get into whether Copper is safe in MRI scans or not, it would be best if we understood better what goes on during an MRI procedure.
An MR imaging machine creates images by using magnetic fields and radio waves at different frequencies to excite hydrogen atoms in your body cells’ water molecules temporarily. When these atoms return back from their excited state back down to their ground state level (you may recall hearing some popping-like sound), energy is released which detectors pick up and translate into images on reading screens – This process makes safer!
During this exercise-worthy activity, metal material objects tend to disrupt with these signals generated by magnets around you – hence why many metals aren’t allowed near the equipment room (for example surgical clamps/implants).
When magnetic energy gets too close metals like iron/aluminum/nickel are becoming moving charged particles because they contain ‘free electrons’ within them- reactive none less! Nonetheless materials like gold/copper/zinc being different – they do not behave this way, their electrons are firmly in place (not like our drunk uncles)! So the best option is to use Copper-plated wires or equipment as it maintains its shape and does not talk back to radio waves (basic common sense!)
But Is Copper Safe in MRI?
In 2007, New York’s University Medical Center of Rochester conducted research and came up with a theory that copper exposure triggers epileptic seizures. However, we should note that these findings were animal-based tests on dogs so far from conclusive human evidence.
The American College of Radiology states: “Copper isn’t ferromagnetic; therefore, typical orthopedic implants and aneurysm clips pose no risk during MR imaging.” There was also Research done at KVK Imaging Centre (we all know how credible ‘Research’ sounds.) They revealed that there are no health repercussions of using copper plating for different tools.
In conclusion,copper is safe, since magnetic fields don’t really cause disruptions resonance imaging (MRI) by photons within atoms compared-to various metals around us. And if ever you have any doubts about anything else perhaps simply ask your radiologist before going through the procedure – regardless doesn’t hurt!
Still unsure? In rare cases where scans require supplementing dyes/contrast agents containing Gadolinium can cause undesirable effects—confusion/clumsiness/speak difficulty (no telling those docs what to do) –
Besides let’s be real it could prove beneficial when talking about homeless seniors’ meals budget – scanning them will reveal inside dollar bills hiding location secrets underneath smelly socks without having everything fine-tuned metal-free!
Whatever worries one may have concerning the use of copper materials during an MRI scan session, rest assured knowing radioactive energy levels would not be enough nor lead one down chatty saltwater paths likely causing dizziness while floating away from reality ( now that’s ridiculous)
In general, most experts would advise against having an MRI scan with metal implants or other metallic materials – which is why people who have these items in their body may need to wait some time before going for any medical imaging procedures.
On the other hand, according to current guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ARI), certain types of dental fillings made using metals like tin and silver are safe during MRIs. In essence, patients should always inform their doctors about any implants or dangerous jewelry they might be wearing so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
The Bottom Line
The debate over whether copper is safe in MRI scans has been ongoing for years now. But researchers at various renowned institutions such as Rochester University Medical Centre and KVK Imaging centre all agree there’s no substantial evidence supporting claims against copper plating usage concerning tools meant for use when performing Magnetic resonance technology, making us confident that copper poses no risks.
However, everyone must convey any metal objects or potentially reactive elements on them nearby inside/outside his/her physical frame & magnetism as well informed radiologist understand what could otherwise prevent your diagnosis accuracy because they take note of everything you give them beforehand– makes sense unless suffering too much beer-induced symptoms impeding cognitive abilities!
Truth bew told though – don’t go trying inserting metallic objects while insisting on getting just ‘one’ last snap!