What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and How it Works?

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What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Using magnets and radio waves, an MRI creates precise images of the human organs, muscles, soft tissues, blood vessels and functional imaging to diagnose any abnormality/disease.

An MRI exam gives your doctor more information about your abnormality/disease of the specific regions of your body. A tube-shaped MRI gantry with powerful magnets and radio waves is used to acquire the signal from the patients body.

A computer processing system then uses the information to generate the images. Throughout this process, you will be requested to remain still inside the doughnut shaped gantry. You will be given a headphone or earplugs to reduce the noise produced by the machine during the scans.

For certain body parts i.e. MRI Liver or MRI abdomen, you will need to follow the breathing instructions given by the attending radiographer/nurse.

Why MRI is performed?

MRI are used by medical professionals to identify a range of abnormalities. MRI scans can best used to diagnose the abnormality related to:

Brain and head
Eyes & ears
Bones & joints
Spines and Spinal Cord
Abdomen, liver, pancreas, kidneys and spleen
Pelvis
Heart & blood vessels
Soft tissue abnormality

MRI can provide details images, which used by medical professionals in identifying issues with ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and joints. Additionally, MRI can be used to rule out any tumours and reveal infections and inflammatory diseases.

Is MRI associated with any risks?

Unlike X-ray and CT scans, MRI machines do not release or use X-rays. Having said that, the machines surroundings and internal gantry contained very strong magnetic fields hence MRI safety checklist must be done before entering the magnet room.

Any metallic implants that you may have inside your body MUST be disclosed to the attending Imaging staff. Similarly, before entering the area containing the machine, you must take off all jewellery and other metal items (steel, iron, etc.) from your body and clothing.

How long will the scan take?

An MRI can take twenty minutes to more than an hour. It depends on the size of the scanned area and the series of sequence being scanned.

Who is going to interpret your MRI scan?

A consultant radiologist will read your images and release the report to the referring doctor. Your doctor will then a schedule a follow-up session for you for a discussion of your results and any necessary steps or treatment suitable to the findings.

Things you should know – Here is what to expect

The attending nurse will set a small needle for a contrasted MRI scan. You could be requested to fast 4 hours before the scan, and you will have to take off any jewellery, prostheses, hair clips, and other items that might contain metal. The test is not appropriate for people with certain medical devices implanted in their bodies, such as metal pins or pacemakers.

You will be lying on the couch which will move into the centre of the MRI gantry. The machine is quite noisy; however, you will be provided earplugs or headphones to wear during the procedure. You must remain still as much as possible throughout the scan. You may be nervous about the scan, but we will make our best efforts to make you feel at ease. Inform the radiographer if you are anxious. Although you will be alone in the room, the radiographer will be able to see, hear, and communicate with you via an intercom. You can raise your hand, speak with the radiographer, or press the emergency call bell if you need anything.

You will need to stay around 10-15 minutes for any contrasted scan to observe for any allergy reaction although it’s rare. For a plain scan, you can leave the department soon after the scan is completed.

Conclusively, to diagnose illnesses, tumours, and soft tissue injuries, an MRI scan can be helpful. There is no pain or recovery period associated with this test. If you require more than one scan over time, it is also safe to have it done. Ask your doctor about the equipment and protocols if you have any questions concerning your scheduled MRI.

Our 1.5 Tesla MRI system can provide high diagnostic confidence for conditions such as cancers, stroke, bleeding, infections, joint injuries and intervertebral disc prolapse.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)