General Body MRI

One of our registered technologists will position you on the padded MRI table. They will position the part of your body to be scanned and make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. For most exams, we will play music for you. Your exam table will carefully ease into the MRI scanner. As the equipment performs the scan sequence, you will hear noise from the magnet, which is normal. Your view will be limited by the scanner, and you may feel a slight vibration or warmth. Some patients fall asleep during this time. It’s important that you are as still as possible during the exam to obtain the highest-quality images. Based on the type of MRI exam you are having and the number of images required, each series of scans will last 20 to 45 minutes.

With MRI, it is possible to see with great clarity structures in the body that other imaging procedures cannot capture. Examination of the brain, nerves, spinal cord, musculoskeletal areas (bones and joints), breasts, and abdominal and pelvic organs make up most MRIs.

Because MRI uses no X-rays and ionizing radiation, it presents no known risk to adults and children. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult your physician about having intravenous contrast “dye” before having an MRI exam. MRI without intravenous contrast is safe for pregnant and nursing patients.

A registered MRI technologist will help you prepare for the exam, position you on the table and perform the exam as directed by the radiologist. Together, this experienced medical team will oversee your care and ensure you are comfortable. The results will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist with specialized expertise in MRI evaluations and reporting.

MRI does not use X-rays and ionizing radiation like a CT scan. With a CT scan, X-rays and computer software are used to create 2D and 3D reconstructed images of the body. MRI involves sending electromagnetic waves, such as those used in radio transmission, in a safe magnetic environment. The body then sends tiny radio waves back to a computer recorder. The different cells in the body create unique signals, with each molecule having its own radio frequency. The computer can tell the minuscule differences between the wavelengths of the radio waves and uses that information to create images of the body.

Because MRI and CT use entirely different techniques for mapping the body, the images show different characteristics of anatomy.

A board-certified radiologist will interpret your scan and the dictated results will be sent to your referring physician, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Your physician will then share the results with you.

There are some situations where MRI is not recommended due to the use of the high-field magnet. We will review these details with you during scheduling to be sure you are an appropriate candidate for MRI. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

• A heart pacemaker
• Some other implanted electronic medical devices such as cochlear implants
• Severe claustrophobia

The Washington Radiology nurse overseeing your care will call you several days before the exam to review preparation and any conditions that may make it unsafe to have an MRI.