MRI Patient Information
Welcome to Tufts Medical Center MRI Department
What is MRI and how does it work?
When a patient is placed in the MR scanner, the atoms in his or her body are exposed to a strong magnetic field. A radiofrequency pulse is applied to the field and the atoms are "knocked" out of alignment. When the pulse is turned off, the atoms return to their original position and in the process, give off signals that are measured by a computer and processed to create detailed, cross sectional images of the body. MRI is commonly used to image the brain, spine, thorax, vascular system and musculoskeletal anatomy. MRI takes a short time, is painless, and is an excellent diagnostic imaging technique.
What is MRI contrast media and why is it used?
Some MRI examinations require the administration of an intravenous contrast agent that acts to enhance images of the organs in the body and/or blood vessels. The contrast agent is given through an intravenous injection at the time of scanning and is generally well tolerated. After the scan, the contrast is released from the body through the urine. Please let the technologist know before the exam if you have any history of kidney disease. Patients with abnormal kidney function may not be able to receive the MRI contrast agent.
Before the exam....
You should wear comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zippers and you may be asked to change into a hospital gown for your exam. All jewelry, credit cards, and removable prosthesis should be removed. Screening is an important part of the MRI exam and you will be asked to complete a screening checklist and medical history form when you arrive in the MRI department.
An MRI technologist will review the forms with you prior to your exam and answer any questions that you may have. It is extremely important to provide accurate information because there may be various factors that disqualify you from having the exam because of patient safety purposes. Please inform the technologist if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve, aneurysm clips, metallic implants, or if you have any history of being wounded in the military or if you have ever been a metal worker. Metallic objects in the body may cause injury when placed in the magnetic field. Also, be sure to tell the technologist if you are or may be pregnant.
If you are having an MRI of your abdomen or pelvis, you should not eat or drink for 4 hours beforehand.
During the exam...
You will be positioned by the MRI technologist on the MR imaging table and an MR coil device that is used to acquire images from your body will be placed beside or around the area of interest.
You will then be moved into the MR gantry, an open circle that houses the magnet. The table remains in the gantry for the duration of the exam. The technologist will leave the room but remains in constant contact with the patient via the intercom. There is a mirror positioned inside the gantry so that you may see the scan room and the technologist performing the scan. You will also be given a button to push to alert the technologist if you are uncomfortable. Scan times vary but the whole exam may last 30-40 minutes while many images are taken. There is an audible "jackhammer" like sound that you will hear and this indicates that images are being taken and you should stay very still, however, you will be provided with earplugs to help soften the sound.
After the exam....
The radiologist will review your images for diagnosis and send a report to your referring physician. Please note: you will need to contact your referring physician in order to obtain your scan results. The scan report is only released to the referring physician, not to the patient directly.
Contact us: Please feel free to call us if you have any questions about your MRI exam at 617-636-6231.
More MRI Patient Information....click here
Magnetic Resonance Safety....click here