Mri Scan: Preparation, Procedure And Safety Information

By Author: House of Diagnostis
Total Articles: 2
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MRI is a widely used and popular imaging tool that helps doctors to visuailse internal organs and understand the changes associated with various medical conditions. MRI makes use of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer system to create highly detailed images of organs and body structures. It is commonly used to visualise the brain, spine, joints, abdomen, ligaments and tendons, breasts, blood vessels and other areas of the body.

Preparation

Patients are advised to follow all instructions provided before their appointment.

On the day of the scan, avoid using makeup, hair products or sprays. Since metal can interfere with the magnetic field, all metallic and electronic items must be removed before entering the examination room. These include jewellery, watches, hair clips, hearing aids and dentures.

Patients can eat and drink as usual unless they are scheduled for specific studies such as an MRCP, an exam for the gallbladder. Regular medications can typically be continued unless advised otherwise.

In some cases, a contrast agent may be injected into a vein to improve image clarity. ...
... Notify the radiology team if you have kidney disease or have undergone dialysis in the past. Patients experiencing claustrophobia should also notify the radiologist in advance.

It is important to inform the MRI team if you:

• Have a pacemaker or artificial heart valves.
• Use any implanted medical device, such as an insulin pump.
• Have stents, clips or other vascular implants
• Are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
• Work in environments involving welding or grinding.
• Are unable to lie still for 30–60 minutes.

Choose an MRI scan centre nearby that provides reliable imaging services and professional medical support.

Procedure

An MRI scanner looks like a tunnel-shaped machine that stays open at both ends. Depending on the body part being examined, patients lie on a motorised table, entering the scanner with either head-first or feet-first. Straps may be used to help keep the body secured during imaging.

The table then moves into the scanner. During the scan, patients may hear loud tapping or thumping sounds, which occur as images are being captured. To reduce noise, ear plugs or head-phones are provided, and in some cases, patients may also have access to in-bore entertainment such as music or videos.

The scan itself is painless, and patients do not feel the magnetic field or radio waves. No lasting effects are expected after the procedure.

An emergency call button is provided so patients can contact the MRI staff at any time during the scan, if needed. Depending on the area being examined, the procedure may take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. In some cases, patients may be asked to hold their breath for a short period to improve image quality.

Search online with keywords MRI scan near me to find convenient and reliable diagnostic imaging services in your area.

Safety information

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

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general awareness only. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.