Questions about MRI

There are parts in the scanner which help us change the magnetic field. They vibrate when we use them and they change sound when we are making different kinds of images.

MRI is able to create images in different directions or “planes”. The different noises are when we are trying to make a variety of images or change directions of the images the scanner is creating.

MRI relies on the water molecules and fat in your body to make the images. Just by the natural process of using the magnet and radio frequencies in the MRI scanner to work with the natural elements in your body, it takes longer than most imaging. With the onset of Artificial Intelligence in today’s scanners those times are being reduced.

The best place for imaging in the MRI scanner is the center. The body part that needs to be imaged will need to be in the center. Your head will be located in relationship to the body part. For example, if you need a knee MRI, your head and shoulders will remain just outside the scanner.

We always have concern if there is metal in your body and where it is located. Most surgeries requiring metal to replace a joint or repair a broken bone will be fine. Surgical metal is typically not attracted by the magnet because of the material it’s made from. We are most concerned with metal that has occurred from accidents such as welding and metal enters the eye. The best solution is to let us know you have metal in your body and we’ll be able to determine if it’s safe or if we need to perform x-rays to see where it is located.

The IV contrast provides more information by helping the radiologist and your provider decide if there is a problem which enhances with the contrast agent. If there is a lump, possible tumor, and/or infection, the radiologist can determine if it brightens with the contrast and this will help them decide what the next steps of your care should be.

MRI doesn’t use radiation. It uses a large magnet and radio frequencies. It is very safe and you can have as many as needed during your lifetime.

Some current pacemakers can tolerate MRI studies. When having an MRI with a pacemaker in your body, it generally takes a special group of medical staff to be present. This is generally performed in a hospital setting so the appropriate staff and support is present. The pacemaker information will need to be reviewed to determine if it is safe and can be scanned.

MRI scanners are never turned off unless there is a loss of power and the equipment fails. This would take several days without electricity for it to occur. The magnetic field is always present even when no one is there to operate the machine. This is why it is very important everyone and everything is screened before entering the room.

The MRI scanner will interfere with the way electronic items work or damage the components. Sometimes the devices have metal in them and are attracted to the scanner. It is best to avoid damaging your device and not take it into the room.