Impact of Bluetooth Shoes on MRI Results: Is There a Risk?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Hello, Director.
Recently, a family member underwent an MRI of the knee and later realized that they brought their Bluetooth-enabled athletic shoes into the examination room.
During the procedure, the shoes were removed and placed on the floor next to the machine.
The function of the Bluetooth chip is to connect with a smartphone to record running and walking distances.
Could this cause any discrepancies in the examination results? Thank you.

Mr. Lai, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/14

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, the distance between the shoes placed on the floor and the imaging table should exceed 1 meter to avoid any discrepancies in the examination.
If the images are affected by magnetic field interference, any artifacts are usually detectable during the examination.
If you still have concerns, you can discuss them with your physician during your follow-up appointment when reviewing the report and request a re-evaluation of the images.
Please take this into consideration, and I wish you good health and safety.

Reply Date: 2023/06/14

More Info

When it comes to undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, there are several considerations regarding the presence of electronic devices, including Bluetooth-enabled shoes. In your case, the concern revolves around whether the Bluetooth chip in the shoes could interfere with the MRI results or pose any safety risks.

Firstly, it is important to understand how MRI technology works. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the organs and tissues inside the body. The magnetic field is powerful enough to attract ferromagnetic materials, which can be a safety concern. However, most modern electronic devices, including Bluetooth chips, are not ferromagnetic and do not contain materials that would be attracted to the MRI magnet. Therefore, the risk of the Bluetooth chip itself causing any harm or interference during the MRI scan is minimal.

In your situation, since the shoes were removed and placed on the floor, which is more than a meter away from the MRI machine, it is highly unlikely that they would have any impact on the imaging results. The MRI technician typically ensures that any non-essential items, especially those that could potentially interfere with the magnetic field, are kept at a safe distance from the machine. If the shoes were not in the immediate vicinity of the MRI scanner during the imaging process, they would not affect the quality of the images obtained.

Moreover, if there were any concerns about artifacts or distortions in the MRI images due to external factors, these would likely be identified during the scan itself. MRI technicians are trained to recognize and address any issues that arise during the imaging process. If there were any anomalies in the images, they would typically be flagged for further review.

If you or your family member still have concerns about the MRI results, it is advisable to discuss them with the healthcare provider who ordered the MRI. They can review the images and provide reassurance or further clarification regarding the findings. In some cases, additional imaging or follow-up appointments may be warranted to ensure that any potential issues are addressed.

In summary, the presence of Bluetooth-enabled shoes, especially when removed from the scanning area, is unlikely to affect MRI results. The technology is designed to minimize interference from external devices, and safety protocols are in place to ensure that patients are not exposed to unnecessary risks during the imaging process. If there are any lingering doubts, consulting with the medical team can provide peace of mind and clarity regarding the MRI findings.

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