How should drug patches be managed in the MRI field of a transmit/receive coil?

Drug patches should be removed prior to an MRI scan because they can pose safety risks. Many drug patches contain metallic components that could heat up in the presence of the strong magnetic field generated by the MRI machine. The heat generated can potentially cause burns to the patient's skin and can also affect the pharmacokinetics of the medication being administered through the patch. Additionally, the MRI magnetic fields can interfere with the patch's adhesive or the drug delivery mechanism, leading to inaccurate dosing or compromised efficacy of the medication.

By removing the patches, you reduce the risk of these complications and ensure a safer environment for the patient during the MRI procedure. It's essential for MRI facilities to have protocols in place for assessing all patients for any transdermal drug delivery systems before the scan to ensure patient safety.