Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available for healthcare providers today. In case of a disease or an injury, your doctor may need this scan to view detailed images of the inside of the body. The images produced by an MRI scan give your doctor information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning appropriate treatment.

An MRI scan can be used to examine body parts such as:

  • Breasts
  • Bones and joints
  • Spinal cord and brain
  • The liver, womb and prostate gland
  • Heart
  • Blood vessels

How does it work?

MRI scanners are large cylindrical-shaped magnetic tubes. The working methodology goes like this: the scanner uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create highly detailed images. During the process the atoms are knocked out of their original position and align in the same direction. The atoms return to their position after the radio waves are turned off. They then send back signals which are captured by a computer. These signals are then converted into images.

Preparations

Before the scan:

Unless advised othewise, the patient can eat, drink and take medications as usual, on the day of MRI scan. Due to the use of a strong magnetic field, the patient may be required to remove any metal objects on the body before undertaking the scan. This is because even small amounts of any metal can distort the MRI images.

You should inform the MRI technician if you have:

* Implanted port, an infusion catheter, an intrauterine device (IUD), any metal plates, clips, pins, screws, or surgical staples, a prosthetic hip, or any implanted metal object in your body

* Heart pacemaker

* Surgical staples, clips, plates, pins, and screws

* Tooth fillings or braces

To know “MRI scan price” or “MRI scan cost” do an online search to know the best diagnostic facilities in your area.

During the scan:

Inside the scanning facility, you will need to lie flat on the MRI scanner table. The table is controlled by a radiographer and you’ll be slowly move in and out of the scanner, which is open at both ends. You’ll be moved into the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on which part of the body is being scanned. On an average, the scan gets completed within 15 to 90 minutes, depending on how many images need to be taken.

Contrast MRI

To get more clarity in images (tumours, certain tissues, inflammation and blood vessels), a contrast agent, typically gadolinium, may be used. It only occurs once your doctor orders and approves it. After the completion of the exam, either the body absorbs the contrast material, or it gets eliminated through urine. It needs to be remembered that not every MRI needs a contrast agent.

Advantages of MRI

* No use of ionising radiation: Unlike CT scans, ionising radiation is not used in MRI scans.

* Image acquisition in multiple planes (axial, sagittal, coronal, or oblique) without repositioning the patient.

* MRI scans have an edge for superior soft-tissue contrast compared to CT scans. This makes it suitable for evaluating disorders of the brain, spine, joints, and other soft tissue body parts

To know the best diagnostic centres available in your vicinity, do an online search with keywords “MRI scan near me.”

Disclaimer: For personalised advice and further information, always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.