Diagnostic imaging centers are becoming increasingly more important in the medical field, due to the rise in technological advances that make these radiology imaging machines more useful. Diseases such as cancer require these images to accurately and efficiently determine treatment plans and necessary surgeries. Since people are living longer, you may find yourself speaking to a radiologist who recommends a specific imaging practice to be completed. One of the most common imaging scans is the magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI scan. Though this may sound complicated and scary, your doctor should be able to walk you through the process and clearly explain every aspect of the technique to you and discuss your responsibilities before the imaging occurs. It is no question that many patients are still nervous before this process begins. If you are one of them, do not worry! Read on to learn more about what to expect leading up to and the day of your MRI scan.
First, it is important to let you know that MRI scan are very common. In fact, each in the United States alone, 30 million MRI scans are performed. This means that your radiologist likely has considerable experience in this process, and will know exactly how to help you through it, while nearly all the diagnostic imaging centers close to you will have access to an MRI machine. These scans can develop images of any part of your body, though head scans are the most common. Diseases like breast cancer require diagnostic imaging, and with the sharp increase in the number of cases of cancers, you can rest assured that this is a routine practice for your radiology center. So sit back, relax, and continue reading to learn what your scan day will consist of.
The day is finally here, you have located diagnostic imaging centers near you, and you have scheduled your MRI scan with a radiologist. You should receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for your MRI scan when you schedule it. Make sure you read through all the information your radiologist gives you! There may be restrictions on eating prior to the test, but there may be no changes to your typical behavior needed. After reviewing the information, go over any questions you may have with your doctor. Do not be afraid to ask about anything you can think of. The scan should take anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. There is likely to be preparation time before and after the scan, so this may turn into an all day event. Be sure to talk to any employers that need to know of your unavailability. Since the scanner creates images from a large magnetic field, you will not be able to bring anything metal near the machine. Take off all jewelry before the scan begins, and utilize your time in the machine for a nice power nap, and it will go by extremely quickly.
Functionally, the MRI scan produces 3D images of the inside of your body that your doctor can use to diagnose and treat your medical condition. These images can be viewed from different angles, making them indispensable to your doctor, and the reason that MRI radiology has become so popular in the medical field. Series of pictures are taken by the machine, in approximately 15 minute increments, during which you will need to lie still. Get all your jitters out before entering the machine, no need to be scared, it will not hurt you! Depending on what your doctor orders, you will need somewhere between two to six series of pictures taken. Consider that a great question to ask your radiologist before the scan begins, so you have an idea of how long you will need to lie still.
The most important thing for you to remember is that your doctor has experience in performing these scans, and you will not have a problem. Although it may look scary, diagnostic imaging centers have been created to handle and operate these types of machines and you have nothing to worry about. Be sure to vocalize any concerns to your doctor, and do not be afraid to ask questions!