Do you have to take your wedding ring off for an MRI, X-ray or operation?

Can you wear a wedding ring in an MRI scan?

No. The NHS asks you not to wear anything with metal in it for an MRI scan, jewellery included, because the scanner uses a very strong magnet. The instruction covers every ring, whatever it is made of, so take your wedding ring off at home or in the changing area before you go in.

A titanium or gold ring is not strongly magnetic, but that is for the radiographer to judge, not the patient. If your ring will not come off, tell the team when you arrive rather than when you are on the table.

Do you need to take your ring off for a CT scan or X-ray?

Often. NHS guidance says you may be asked not to wear anything with metal in it, jewellery included, for a CT scan. The same applies to some X-rays, depending on the part of the body. Metal shows up brightly on the image and can hide what the scan is looking for.

For an X-ray of your chest or foot your ring is far from the picture. You may be told it can stay on. For an X-ray of your hand or wrist, expect to take it off. The hospital tells you beforehand if you need to prepare.

Can you keep your wedding ring on for an operation?

Often yes, under tape. Many NHS trusts ask you to remove all jewellery before an operation except a wedding ring, which is covered with tape. West Suffolk's preparation leaflet says exactly that. Wirral's day surgery guidance says you will be able to wear your wedding ring while all other jewellery is removed.

Your own appointment letter is the rule that applies to you, so read it. Rings with stones and other jewellery usually have to come off.

What about an operation on your hand or arm?

Then every ring on that arm comes off. Gloucestershire Hospitals' hand clinic asks patients to remove all rings and jewellery from the arm having the operation, because the hand will swell after even a small operation and a ring can then restrict the blood flow to the finger.

If you cannot get the ring off, the same leaflet recommends asking a jeweller to cut it off beforehand. Do that in the days before, not on the morning.

How to get a stuck ring off: What to try at home first, then when to get help.

Can a titanium ring be cut off?: How titanium and other metals are cut off in an emergency.

What about pregnancy and swollen fingers?

The NHS says some swelling of the fingers is normal in pregnancy, often worse at the end of the day and later on. Many people move their ring to a chain or a smaller finger before it gets tight, rather than waiting until it will not come off.

The NHS also says a sudden increase in swelling of the face, hands or feet can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. It says to contact your midwife, GP or labour ward straight away if that happens.

Silicone or metal wedding ring?: A silicone spare for the months when metal is a bad idea.

How do you make it easy to take your ring off?

Have it sized so that it slides over the knuckle with a little effort: snug enough not to fall off, loose enough to come off when you need it to. A ring that has not been off in years is worth trying before the day of a scan, with soap and cool water if it is tight.

Then give it a safe place. Leave it at home if you can, or put it in a zipped pocket of your own bag, never loose on a hospital tray or in a gown pocket.

Ring size finder: Measure your size at home in two minutes.

Lost or damaged wedding ring: What to do and how to replace it.