Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a detailed organ depiction technique from several perspectives using magnetic field and radio waves. MRI is safe to use for pregnant women and children. This method can result in clearer organ depiction, including tumor examination. The advantages of MRI are: high quality detail for benign tissue depiction, it does not cause radiation effects and makes resulting diagnostic information easier.

MRI exam usually takes 20-90 minutes to perform, depending on the type of study being performed. During the scan, you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine. Doing the scan can take a long time, and you must stay still. The scan is painless. The MRI machine makes a lot of noise. The technician may offer you earplugs. To obtain the highest quality MRI results, patients will need to be completely still during the scan. For this reason, sedation may be required during the MRI. Sedation is common in MRI for infants and young kids.

MRI Scan Preparation

MRI scan is a painless and safe procedure. You may find it uncomfortable if you have claustrophobia, but most people are able to manage it with support from the radiographer. But MRI scans may not be recommended in certain situations. For example, if you have a metal implant fitted, such as a pacemaker or artificial joint, you may not be able to have an MRI scan. Women should inform if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant. While no effects have been demonstrated on the fetus, it is recommended that MRI scans be avoided as a precaution especially in the first trimester of pregnancy when the fetus’ organs are being formed and contrast agents, if used, could enter the fetal bloodstream.