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This patient education pageprovides general informationconcerning the radiologic sci-ences. The ASRT suggests thatyou consult your physician forspecific information concerningyour imaging exam and medicalcondition. Health careprofession-als may reproduce thesepagesfor noncommercial educationalpurposes. Reproduction for otherreasons is subject to ASRTapproval.

MR image of the head.

For more information,contact the American Societyof Radiologic Technologists,15000 Central Ave. SE,Alhuquerque, NM87123-3909,or visit us online atwww.asrt.org.

PATIENT PAGE

Magnetic Resonance ImagingMagnetic resonance (MR) imaging is

a sophisticated diagnostic technique thatuses a strong magnetic field, radiowavesand a computer to produce cross-section-al images of different parts of the body.MR creates better soft-tissue scans thanx-rays and is most commonly used toimage the brain, spine, organs in thechest and abdomen, the heart and bloodvessels and structures near bones, such asmuscles and ligaments.

Patient PreparationBecause of the strong magnetic field,

patients who have a pacemaker, earimplants or aneurysm clips should checkwith a physician before having an MRexam. Patients who have other types of

metal implants and patientswho have been exposedto shrapnel or whose eyeshave been exposed to metalshavings also might notbe candidates for MR; it'simportant to let your physi-cian know if these condi-tions apply to you. Also,eyeshadow should not beworn during an MR exambecause it sometimes con-tains metallic substances.

Although MR is asafe procedure for mostpatients, you should letyour physician know if youare pregnant. If you areclaustrophobic or experi-

ence pain when lying on your back formore than 30 minutes, let your doctorknow. He or she may prescribe a relaxantor pain medication for you.

Before your exam, an MR technolo-gist will explain the procedure to you andanswer any questions you might have.An MR technologist, also known as aradiologic technologist, is a skilled medicalprofessional who has received specializededucation in the areas of anatomy, patientpositioning, patient care, imaging tech-niques and MR procedures.

During the ExaminationExamination time depends upon the

part of the body being examined, but

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY July/August 2007, Vol. 78/No.6

typically ranges from 30 minutes to anhour. You will be asked to undress, put ona hospital gown and remove alljewelry,hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids and den-tures. Keep in mind that the magnet willdamage wristwatches and erase credit andbank cards. The imaging facility will pro-vide a secure place to store these itemsduring your exam.

For most types of MR exams, thetechnologist wraps a special coil aroundthe body part that is being examined.Depending on the area being examined,you may be given a contrast agent to makeinternal organs and structures more vis-ible. The technologist will position you ona padded, moveable table that slides intothe opening of the scanner.

You won't feel anything during thescan, but you may hear humming, thump-ing, clicking and knocking sounds fromthe equipment. MR centers provide head-phones or earplugs to help mask the noise.Also, the examination room may be dimlylit and cold.

The technologist will not be in theroom during the procedure, but will beable to see you and you will be able tocommunicate through an intercom system.The technologist will tell you when eachscan sequence is beginning and how longit will last. You will be asked to remain asstill as possible throughout the sequence.

When the exam is complete, your MRimages will be given to a radiologist, aphysician who specializes in the diagnosticinterpretation of medical images.

Postexamination InformationAfter your images have been reviewed,

your personal physician will receive a reportof the findings. Your physician then willadvise you of the results and discuss whatfurther procedures, if any, are needed.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive procedure, and there are noknown side effects or after effects. •

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