Question about VCH Jewelry and an MRI

Hi Elayne,
 
You did a VCH piercing for me on December 30, 2004 and, per my notes, it's a J-curve (JC 5085) 14 gauge, 1/2", 6 mm bezel cup with two teal gem stones.
 
I received a message froma woman I pierced who was concerned about taking her jewelry out for an MRI:

I'm having an MRI of my knee on Sunday and they want the piercing removed - which, needless to say, I'd rather not do.
 
I had a brain MRI done about two years ago, with piercing in place, without a problem.
 
The radiology tech suggested I hold a magnet to the piercing to see if it reacted - it did not, so I think I'm fine.
 
I think you said the metal was titanium - but not sure, and wanted to check with you before undergoing the knee MRI since it is "closer" to the genital region than my brain ...
 
BTW, I LOVED your book and only wish I had read it before coming to see you as I would have been much better informed and prepared - and therefore a better/easier client for you !!
 
Any thoughts/suggestions/feedback re: MRI would be greatly appreciated.
 
Let me know if/when you're planning to be in the Los Angeles area again, I would love to see you and likely get another piercing ... K.
 

My response:

Hi K.,

Both the steel and titanium I use are non-magnetic, so either would be fine. If you've already had an MRI with your jewelry in place, then that proves your jewelry is non-ferromagnetic (not magnetic). It doesn't matter if the area of examination is closer to your piercing this time--the magnets they use are very strong and anything magnetic that is remotely nearby would be affected.

I had a cranial MRI with 27 pieces of body jewelry in my head (and a bunch more in my body) with no consequences whatsoever.

I do travel and pierce around the US. If you would like to be notified when I make travel plans, please sign up for my newsletter in the box on the left lower portion of the page: http://piercingbible.com It is an "opt-in" list, so I can't add you myself.

As it says in The Piercing Bible:

Studies have shown that removing piercing jewelry is generally not necessary for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and many other procedures, unless the piercing is directly in the area of examination or treatment. High-quality metal body jewelry is non-ferromagnetic (nonmagnetic), so it will not react to the MRI equipment. Beware, however, that cheap body jewelry may indeed be a dangerous problem when getting an MRI.

It also says: The VCH has a tendency to shrink and close quickly on many women...

I hope everything works out okay with your knee.

Take care,
Elayne

Elayne Angel, Author
The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing
Medical Liaison, Association of Professional Piercers

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