Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
In many cases, MRI can give detailed information about structures in the body that can not be seen with an X-ray, Ultrasound or Computed Tomography or CT Scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging modalities.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images.
MRI is used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood vessel diseases or infection. MRI may also be done to obtain more information about a problem seen on an X-Ray, Ultrasound Scan, or CT Scan. Contrast material may be used during MRI to show abnormal tissue more clearly.
There is little or no preparation needed before getting an MRI Scan done. When you first arrive at the hospital, the doctors will ask you to change into a gown. You will also be asked to remove all accessories such as jewellery, credit cards, and any metallic objects. The reason for this is because MRI involves magnets, which may interact with objects in your possession. This in turn may lead to bad results and/or poor image quality and damage to the object, like corruption of magnetic data on the credit card.
You can breathe a sigh of relief. It is not going to hurt one bit. The exam itself is a painless procedure that is noninvasive, meaning that the body is not tampered with in any way. Since humans are not able to feel any type of radio waves, patients will not feel a thing. A loud tapping noise will be experienced as the magnets are turned on and off throughout the exam. No need to worry, rather enjoy the drumbeats. If you think the noise will bother you, just ask the technician for a pair of earplugs to drown out the noise.
If you are allergic to any medicines. The contrast material used for MRI does not contain iodine and hence, generally does not cause reaction.
If you know that you are allergic to the contrast material used for the MRI, tell your doctor before having another test.
If you are or might be pregnant.
If you have any metal implanted in your body.
If you had recent surgery on a blood vessel. In some cases, you may not be able to have the MRI test.
If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
Most MRI machines look like a tubular cavity with a large magnet present in the circular area around it. When beginning the process of taking an MRI, the patient is laid down on a table. Then depending the body part whose MRI needs to be taken, the technician slides a coil over the specific area being imaged. The coil is the part of the machine that receives the MR signal and causes no harm to the patient.
The examination shall last for 10-15 to 20-30 minutes depending upon the type of study. This may also vary depending on the number of body parts being examined.
Permanent magnet scans are generally 0.2 Tesla and 0.3Tesla. Superconducting magnet scans are generally 1.5 Tesla. New high strength 1.5 Tesla (1.5T) machines are also now available at few selected facilities like ours, which is the latest generation, first of its kind installation in the country.
The benefits of 1.5T scanner are not confined to fast and better Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The increased spatial resolution of 1.5T scanner allows for high-quality vascular imaging also. Thus, 1.5 Tesla MR Angiogram studies may often undermine the need for invasive interventional catheter studies.
The 1.5T MRI is extremely efficient technology. Utilizing shorter scan times, 1.5T machine maximizes patient comfort without compromising on the quality. The superb reliability of high-field MRI allows our experienced radiologists to differentiate between benign and potentially hazardous medical conditions with confidence. This allows your healthcare team to provide you with earlier diagnosis and treatment, subsequently leading to more positive outcomes. Do not compromise your health with lower strength magnets. Take advantage of the state-of-the-art technology and friendly atmosphere at our Centre facility. Choose 1.5T Imaging.