Tests for DNA and chromosomal damage induced by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in culture were exposed in an NMR imaging apparatus to a strong magnetic field, pulsed field gradients and radio frequency emissions. No chromosomal aberrations were induced even after an exposure of approximately 14 h. No sister chromatid exchanges were induced by 4-h exposures to either low (average 7.2 mW) or high (average 61.2 mW) radio frequency power. When HeLa [human cervical carcinoma] cells were exposed for 16 h to an average radio frequency power of 61.2 mW, no inhibition of DNA synthesis was detectable. The conditions used for NMR imaging apparently do not cause genetic damage which is detectable by any of these methods.