Never enter an MRI machine with any of these hazardous items, experts warn

Certain materials can interact with the strong magnetic field of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine, so what you wear - or don't wear - is essential.

A recent fatal incident in Westbury, New York, at Nassau Open MRI, involved a man being sucked into an MRI machine due to a heavy metal chain he wore around his neck.

The man was transported to a local hospital on July 16 and died the next day due to his injuries, the release stated.

Multiple practices and agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warn that the "strong, static magnetic field" of an MRI machine will attract magnetic objects.

Small items like keys and cellphones - as well as large, heavy items like oxygen tanks and floor buffers - may "cause damage to the scanner" or injure the patient or medical professionals if those objects "become projectiles," the FDA cautioned.

Iowa Carver College of Medicine's Magnetic Resonance Research Facility published MRI safety guidelines, noting that the magnet is always on, and only cleared patients and professionals are permitted to enter.

The following list of items should not be brought into an MRI screening, according to multiple experts and medical facilities.

Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing, pajamas and nightgowns are all permissible attire for an MRI, according to the above source.

Items like compression wear, tight-fitting spandex and clothing with metal embellishments should be avoided.

ARA Diagnostic Imaging, a radiology practice with multiple locations in Texas, noted on its website that any implants or devices should be discussed with a doctor prior to an MRI.

"People should remember to mention any implantable device to the MRI tech," he said. "Patients who have pacemakers should bring their pacemaker card with them, as it will have information about safety protocols to have an MRI."

Perry added, "Nerve stimulators are also sometimes MRI-compatible and should have information cards that can be presented to the MRI tech."

It's "very important to answer appropriately" when asked by an MRI tech if you're wearing jewelry or have piercings, the doctor advised.

Patients should also leave their wallets out of the room, Perry noted, as many of them are magnetic.

"It can also be detrimental to your cards, as the magnet is strong enough to wipe the magnetic strip on the back of debit and credit cards," he cautioned.

Fox News Digital reached out to Nassau Open MRI requesting comment.

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.