Prepare to be amazed by the power of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans! But before we dive into the fascinating world of MRI, let’s address the elephant in the room – the “no metal” policy. Now, you might think this rule is just a formality, but trust me, it’s there for a reason. You definitely don’t want to end up like the unfortunate souls who met their demise due to metal objects in an MRI machine. Just take a look at these shocking incidents involving an oxygen tank and a metal butt plug (yes, you read that right).
Despite the clear warnings, it seems that some people just can’t resist the temptation to bring metal objects into the MRI room. In fact, a recent incident involved a man who thought it was a good idea to bring a loaded concealed gun into an MRI machine. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well for him. And now, we have another story that proves the “no magnetic objects” rule is not to be taken lightly.
A report from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tells the tale of a woman who entered the MRI room with a concealed iron handgun. As she stepped into the machine, the magnetism pulled the gun towards it, resulting in a shot being fired directly into her buttocks. Ouch!
Thankfully, the injuries were not life-threatening, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety protocols. The patient had gone through the standard screening process, which specifically includes checking for weapons, and had answered all the screening questions truthfully. Sometimes, accidents just happen.
Now, let’s delve into the science behind MRI machines. These incredible devices use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to target hydrogen nuclei in water. As these protons align with the magnetic field, a magnetic vector is created. By adding radio waves, the magnetic vector is deflected, and when the radiofrequency source is switched off, a signal is emitted, which is used to create the mesmerizing MR images.
So, while MRI machines work wonders for medical imaging, they are definitely not compatible with firearms or any other metal objects. Let’s all remember to leave our weapons at home and embrace the marvels of modern technology in a safe and responsible manner.
[H/T: Gizmodo]
