Stay Healthy And Live Longer With An MRI

Most medical researchers share that people tend to live longer and healthier lives if they regularly undergo diagnostic procedures such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI. These tests can help detect ailments at an early stage so that they can be effectively treated. This post talks about the basic facts that you need to understand about the test.

Why is the procedure performed?

1. Physicians prescribe this test in order to take a closer look into the bodily tissues and organs.
2. This gives them a clearer picture of the internal organs before creating a diagnosis. It detects outgrowths, bleeding, injuries, blood vessels, and infections.
3. In cases wherein tumors, lumps, and other abnormal growths are present, this procedure helps in identifying the correct sizes, forms, and locations of the abnormalities. This also acts as an accurate guide for surgeons during surgery.

How are images obtained?

1. The machine makes use of a magnetic field and pulses of energy from radio waves to provide images of the body’s internal structures.
2. The client’s body is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet.
3. Contrast material such as dyes may be utilized for better visualization.
4. Unlike other examinations such as Computed Tomography Scans and other conventional radiology tests, no radiation exposure involved.

What preparations are required?

Some institutions require that no food and drink should be ingested 8 to 12 hours before the scheduled test.

If a contrast agent should be used:

• A client should come in an hour earlier for the preparation and administration of the contrast media.
• Some contrast medium contains iodine. In order to avoid allergic reactions, find out if the client has previously recorded allergies to seafood.

Since the machine has magnets, all metals should be taken off the body before the test.

Notify the doctor if the client has implants such as:

• dentures
• metal pins
• prosthetics
• pacemakers
• orthopedic implants

Ask the client if he or she is claustrophobic. If so, see to it that the client is made aware that his or her body will be positioned inside a closed space throughout the exam. Sometimes, to lessen anxieties, technicians ask the physician to prescribe anti-anxiety medications beforehand.

The client has to change into a hospital gown for better viewing. Some clothing pieces such as a lady’s brassiere may contain wires that can cause problems with the machine.

Also inform the patient that there will be sounds heard during the test. Tell him or her not to worry since these sounds are normally part of how the MRI machine’s magnets work.