I wrote a few months ago that MRI suites can be the most germ-infested room in the hospital.

Now, comes another precaution patients have to consider prior to undergoing an MRI.

MedPage Today reports on a recent FDA announcement, warning patients to remove medication patches, like the fentanyl or nicotine transdermal systems, prior to having an MRI.

“Some patches contain small amounts of aluminum or other nonferrous metals in the backing that can heat up in strong magnetic fields,” said the FDA in a press briefing.

MRI technicians should be asking patients whether they are wearing such patches, but if they don’t, be vigilant in removing them yourself prior to the scan.