Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, has become commonly used to diagnose certain medical problems but a lot of people have concerns about MRI safety. While it is used frequently and is considered quite safe, there are certain MRI safety procedures that must take place to ensure that everyone in the room during the scan is protected.
What is an MRI?
An MRI scan gives doctors a very clear image of certain organs and tissues in the body. The scan is frequently used to determine if tissues organs are healthy or not. It works by combining a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create extremely accurate images. The scans help doctors diagnose disease, growths or other health problems.
How is an MRI Scan Performed?
The patient is placed in a special tunnel-shaped device, although some MRI machines are open or shaped like a doughnut. The machine creates a magnetic field that forces protons in the body to align. The scanner picks up the image of the protons and projects it into the computer. No ionizing radiation is used during an MRI, so it is considered to be much safer than CT scans or x-rays.
Preparing for an MRI Scan
Although MRI is commonly deemed safe to use, there are precautions that must be taken. Technicians are thoroughly trained, and patients must fill out a questionnaire before the scan can be done.
The powerful magnetic field will pull on many types of implants, including:
- Pacemakers
- Insulin pumps
- Cochlear implants
- Deep brain stimulators
Patients that have any of these implants are discouraged from having MRI scans because they may be dislodged or become overheated during the procedure. The machine can also cause problems with people that have aneurysm clips, prostheses or shell fragments. However, if the implants or other items are made from titanium, it will not react to the magnetic pull. Patients should inform doctors and technicians if they have any implants or medical devices. Together they can decide if the scan is absolutely necessary.
All jewelry or clothing with metal clasps must be removed before the scan is done. Patients should empty pockets of any coins, paper clips or other metal times. Hearing aids should also be taken out before entering the room.
MRI Safety During the Scan
The MRI machine often causes a knocking sound that is irritating or hurts patients. Simple ear plugs will help to reduce any problems from the noise.
While the machine is taking the images, patients must move as little as possible in order to get the clearest scans. The technician will tell the patients when they are allowed to move between scans.
Imaging with Dye
In some instances, a special dye may be injected to help doctors get clearer view of the tissues or organs. This dye does not contain iodine and therefore causes few allergic reactions. However, patients that have had kidney disease, liver disease or other medical issues may have a reaction to the chemical and should therefore notify the technician before beginning the procedure.
MRI Safety After the MRI
Patients are allowed to carry on as normal after an MRI scan. After exiting the room, they may wear clothes with metal fasteners, jewelry and hearing aids.
CT scans and x-rays are considered to much more harmful than an MRI scan, but it is still necessary to take MRI safety precautions. Patients should notify technicians and doctors of anything that might interfere with or react to the magnetic field.
