Live Life Team
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic study of the brain, spine, abdomen and pelvis, wherein, strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce elaborate pictures of muscles, joints, blood vessels, bone marrow, nerves and other structures inside the body. Usually images are two-dimensional, however, three-dimensional scans can also be produced.
Preparation for the scan
There is normally no restriction on eating or drinking or on any other requirement prior to the scan. However, there are a few exceptions which are listed below:
For MRI scan of pelvis and abdomen, one should be empty stomach or should not eat or drink for 5 hours before test
For scan of Bile ducts (also called MRCP or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), one should not eat or drink 2-3 hours before scan
For scan of certain blood vessels and tissues, one needs to take an injection of a special dye which highlights these more clearly on the scan, so this is another exception which needs preparation before the scan.
Other restrictions and call-outs which need attention before going in for the scan are outlined below:
All electronic and metallic items to be removed before the scan to avoid an interference with the strong magnetic fields of the MRI scanners. These include watches, mobile phones, jewellery, hairpins, keys, coins, wigs, hearing aids or dentures.
Need to ideally wear a hospital gown. Otherwise, clothing should not have metal zippers, buttons, buckles, belts or fasteners
You need to highlight if you have any metal implants in your body like pacemaker, artificial heart valve, artificial limb or joint, cochlear or inner ear implants, metal clips on blood vessels in the brain or screws, plates or staples from prior surgeries or a contraceptive coil (IUD).
For women, it is important to mention if they are pregnant.
Procedure of the MRI scan
The patient is made to lie down on a bed which is motorized and moves into a short-tunnel like MRI scanner open at both ends. A small ‘receiving device’ is placed behind or around the body part being scanned. During the scan a friend or family member can stay in the scan room but the above restrictions and guidelines for clothing and metallic objects apply to them as well to avoid distortion of images due to magnetic interference. The radiographer and the computer which operate the MRI scanner are in separate room but can converse with the patient through intercom.
The procedure is painless, however, the body part under the scan needs to be really still to avoid blurred images. Any movement can lead to blurred images and might have to be repeated. A scan normally lasts 15-60 minutes after which the person is moved out of the scanner machine.
Sedatives can be given to babies, children or people who get nervous or claustrophobic.
Results of MRI scan
The radiologist prepares a report of their findings during the scan and results are available usually after 15days, unless urgently required by your consulting doctor.
