Heter for MRI?

Posted: Tue, Jan 31 2012, 6:53 pm Post subject: heter for MRI?

Was I supposed to get a heter to do a MRI with contrast?

I got an MRI and I told my Dh that the tech had to call in a nurse to do the IV. He asked if the dr specifically asked for the contrast or if they just did it because they use shellfish in the IV and its not kosher.

Diamond Member Joined: Sep 17 2009 Posts: 3989

I don't think our rav would have an issue with it if its for medical reasons. I'm a little surprised that they use shellfish considering how many people are allergic to it.

Moderator Joined: Nov 20 2005 Posts: 4868

MRI contrast contains gadolinium not Iodine which is used for CT scans and is also found in shrimp / shellfish. It is not actual Shellfish that it's taken from! Besides, it does not go through the GI tract but through IV and shouldnt be a sheila at all.

Posted: Tue, Jan 31 2012, 7:35 pm Post subject: re: heter for MRI?

I was told it was fine. You aren't eating it. Smile

_________________
Liba, mommy to Zlata Tova 5/6/98, Tziporah Faiga 1/12/01, Esther Rivka 7/13/04 and Avraham Chaim 7/2/2006

Platinum Member Joined: Apr 06 2008 Posts: 5149

Doesn't kashrus only apply to things we actually eat?
As in bite, chew, swallow?

Posted: Tue, Jan 31 2012, 7:44 pm Post subject: re: heter for MRI?

thank you everyone for replying and reassuring me that I didnt do anything wrong Whew

Posted: Tue, Jan 31 2012, 7:51 pm Post subject: re: heter for MRI?

From what I have been told, this is not a halachic issue, but whether it comes from shellfish or not, I have been told if you are shellfish-allergic, you need to avoid it. Plenty of Web sites say other, but from personal experience I know I am allergic to shellfish and I have a very bad allergic reaction to betadine. My doctor told me to avoid ultrasound contrast agents.

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