Throughout the history of science, the human body and what it contains within it have attracted the interest of all health researchers. Fortunately, thanks to advances in science, invasive tests that risk the health of the patient are no longer necessary.

In 1971, Dr. Raymond Damadian and his team created the first magnetic resonance imaging device, a completely painless test that allows observation of the inside of our body by means of highly detailed images.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that produces images of the inside of our body . With this test, clinical staff can detect any abnormality that is not visible to the naked eye or with other tests such as x-rays.

The main feature that distinguishes this test from x-rays or computerized axial tomography (CT) is that the MRI does not use ionizing radiation or x-rays. Instead, this technique employs a series of radio waves that pass through the patient’s body, which is exposed to a strong magnetic field .

Another advantage of nuclear magnetic resonance is that by using it, high detail images of any point and any perspective of the body can be obtained; even in two or three dimensions.

To obtain these images the person is put into a large machine looking like a giant UVA machine. The person will have to remain lying down inside it for a variable time ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. However, some centres have open machines adapted for people who are afraid of being locked in.

This MRI image is called a “cut. A large number of images can be obtained in a single test , which can be stored digitally or printed out on paper.

Finally, there are different types of MRI tests, depending on the area you want to examine

  • MRI of the head
  • MRI of the Chest
  • Cervical MRI
  • MRI of the abdomen
  • Pelvic MRI
  • MRI of the heart
  • Lumbar MRI
  • MR angiography
  • MRI Venography

When should an MRI be done?

The performance of an MRI, accompanied by other examinations, tests and assessments, are of great help to health professionals when making any kind of diagnosis .

When medical personnel suspect or notice any signs of illness, they usually request an MRI scan, usually of a specific area or place on the body.

Usually, the most common reasons for requesting this test are the following.

1. MRI of the head

To detect tumor formations, aneurysms, strokes, heart attacks or brain injuries . They are also used to evaluate ocular or auditory system alterations.

2. MRI of the abdomen or pelvis

It is used to evaluate organs such as the kidneys, liver, uterus or ovaries and the prostate.

3. MRI of bone

Through this technique, problems such as fractures, arthritis, hernias, etc. can be identified.

4. MRI of the chest

Especially useful for examining the heart’s anatomy and assessing possible damage or alterations in the arteries . In addition, it also reveals tumours in breast and lung cancer.

5. MRI Venography

This type of MRI facilitates the observation of thrombi, infarcts, aneurysms or malformations in the blood vessels.

How should the patient prepare?

There are a number of issues that the patient should consider before undergoing this test. Likewise, it is the health staff’s obligation to inform the person about what this procedure is like and what obligations or points to take into account the person should have before carrying out an MRI.

1. Documentation required

The healthcare personnel must give the patient an informed consent in which it is explained in detail what the test consists of and what possible risks it entails. The person must hand in this consent form and take it with them on the day of the test.

2. Food

Depending on the organ to be examined, it will be necessary for the person not to eat any kind of food, not to consume any liquids during some hours prior to the test .

3. Company

The MRI is a totally painless and non-invasive test so it will not be necessary for the person to go accompanied. However, in cases where the person experiences fear or anxiety, the company of someone they know can be very helpful.

4. Clothing

During the test the person must wear only the hospital gown , being necessary to undress before the test. Likewise, it is compulsory to remove any type of metallic object such as earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, etc.

Duration of the test and entry

The MRI test usually takes about 30-60 minutes . Since no type of anaesthesia or intervention is required to perform it, it is always done on an outpatient basis, so it is not necessary for the person to be admitted.

Despite being a practically innocuous technique, there are a number of contradictions:

  • Cases of allergy to contrasts used in MRIs.
  • Women with intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • People who have some metal component inside their body such as screws, pacemakers, shrapnel, etc.
  • Patients with claustrophobia.
  • People suffering from obesity .
  • Cases of severe kidney or liver failure
  • Patients undergoing surgery on a blood vessel.
  • Unstable or clinically severe patients who may need some kind of resuscitation manoeuvre
  • Breastfeeding women should not breastfeed the baby after 24-48h after the test , in cases where some type of contrast has been administered.

In all these cases, patients must inform the hospital staff in order to adapt the test to their personal needs, without the need to run any kind of risk.

How is an MRI performed?

As mentioned above, the MRI machine has an elongated cubic shape within which a stretcher is placed. This table slides into the device and the patient must lie on it face up and absolutely immobile during the entire test.

Depending on the type of test, intravenous inoculation of a contrast substance will be necessary to highlight the organs examined. This substance is known as gadolinium and its main advantage is that as it does not contain iodine it is unlikely to cause any side effects.

In cases where it is necessary (anxiety or fear) the patient may be given some type of relaxing medication to prevent him/her from moving during the test. Your arms, head, or chest may also be held in place with straps.

Once the test has started the person can hear an intense sound of ventilation and the ringing of the test . It is possible to offer the person a headset to reduce the discomfort.

Throughout the procedure, the imaging technicians will monitor the patient to give instructions, as well as to attend to them in cases where an incident occurs.