While very rare, there have been incidences of patients with tattoos receiving burns while being scanned by MRI. It is thought that this occurs as a result of metal-containing compounds in the tattoo or makeup dye. When exposed to RF radiation, these compounds can induce currents in the tattoo, leading to a burn. Burns of this type tend to be superficial and transient. Their occurrence is unpredictable due to the involvement of many variables. Patients under GA cannot respond to any heating, which increases their vulnerability and therefore their risk.
Currently there is no evidence to suggest that patients with recent tattoos cannot undergo an MRI scan.
For further details please access our risk assessments below.