What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Click on icon to view slideshow MRI Safety and Radiation Protection A Safety Plan is the best way to make the working/patient environment safer and more comfortable.	Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses friendly magnetic fields to produce an unparalleled view inside the human body. MRI has become the diagnostic imaging modality of choice for most malignancies and neurological diseases of the brain and spine including: Brain tumors Alzheimer's Disease Cervical cancer The technology's ability to generate, non-invasively, superb anatomical details of both bone and soft tissues has made MRI the preferred modality for most orthopedic applications including imaging of: Knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, elbow Ligaments and tendons Back pain and failed back syndrome How to prepare for an MRI Before the MRI test, tell your doctor if you:
		Have a pacemaker, artificial limb, any metal pins or metal fragments in your body (especially in the eyes), metal heart valves, metal clips in your brain, metal implants in your ear, tattooed eyeliner, or any other implanted or prosthetic medical device (such as a drug infusion pump). Also, tell your doctor if you have worked around metal or if you have recently had surgery on a blood vessel. In some cases you may not be able to have the MRI test done.
		Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. An IUD may prevent you from having the MRI test done.
		Are or might be pregnant.
		Become very nervous in confined spaces. You need to lie very still inside the MRI magnet, so you may need to have the test done with open MRI equipment that is not as confining as conventional MRI machines, or you may need medication to help you stay relaxed. For certain MRI studies (such as of the legs or lumbar spine), your body will be out of the confined space.
		Have allergies of any kind (such as hay fever, hives, food or medication allergies, or allergic forms of asthma). The contrast material used for MRI does not contain iodine. If you have a known allergy to the contrast material used for MRI, tell your doctor before having another test. Sometimes the benefits of having this test may outweigh the risks. Other conditions (such as serious kidney problems and sickle cell anemia) may prevent you from having an MRI using contrast material.
		Wear comfortable clothes that contain little or no metal.

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How to prepare for an MRI