Magnetic resonance imaging
How an MRI scan works
Images of the body made with a strong magnet and radio waves. There is no X-ray radiation. It does not hurt — the important thing is to lie still.
usually 15–40 minno radiation
The video for this examination is in production.
Tell the staff before the scan
- pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, insulin pump
- implants, prostheses, vessel clips, metal fragments in the body
- pregnancy or possible pregnancy
- fear of enclosed spaces
- allergy or kidney disease — if contrast is planned
The doctor decides whether the MRI can be done. Bring documents about your implants if you have them.
Preparation
comfortable, without metal fasteners; the clinic may give you a gown
remove watch, jewellery, belt, hair clips, piercings; phone and bank cards go in the locker
preferably none, and no glitter nail polish — some contain metal
usually no restrictions; for the abdomen or pelvis — as your doctor instructs
What happens
- Questions — you will be asked about implants and how you feel
- Changing — metal items stay in the locker
- Positioning — you lie on the table; a light coil is placed over the area being scanned
- Scanning — the table moves into the tunnel; the scanner knocks loudly — you get headphones or earplugs
- Contact — you hold a call button; the staff can see and hear you
- Done — the table moves out and you can get dressed
What you will feel
No pain. A loud rhythmic knocking — that is how the scanner works. You may feel slightly warm. If you feel anxious, press the call button.
Equipment in this room
Maintenance
Taken from the service record. This is the date of maintenance, not a statement about the condition of the device.
The magnet is always on, even when no scan is running. Do not enter the room with metal without the staff's permission.
Text reviewed by the clinic's radiologist: sample