Wear Face Masks with No Metal During MRI Exams: FDA Safety Communication
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing patients and health care providers that patients may be injured if they wear face masks (such as surgical or non-surgical masks and respirators) with metal parts and coatings during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. Metal parts, like nose pieces (sometimes called nose clips or wires), nanoparticles (ultrafine particles), or antimicrobial coating that may contain metal (such as silver or copper), may become hot and burn the patient during an MRI. The FDA recommends patients wear face masks with no metal during MRIs.
The FDA recently received a report that a patient’s face was burned from the metal in a face mask worn during an MRI. The FDA reminds patients and providers that patients should not wear any metal during an MRI.
This safety communication provides:
- Important recommendations for people wearing face masks during an MRI.
- Recommendations for health care providers who perform MRI exams.
- Background on the issue and the FDA’s actions to address the issue.
- Instructions for reporting problems to the FDA.
Questions?
If you have questions about this safety communication, contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE).
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