Keeping Fit and Healthy

Tips to help you prepare for a magnetic resonance imaging scan

5 March 2018 by Mildred Dixon

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most common types of endoscopy scans done in the hospital. The test is done to look for evidence of tumours inside the body. When the tumour has been confirmed, the scan can also be done to find out if it is cancerous or not. The scan also helps the doctors locate the tumour and judge its size so that they can plan for a successful treatment course. When the treatment is ongoing, MRI scans are done to help the doctors determine whether the treatment they are using is working or not. A lot of patients approach the issue of MRI scans with a lot of scepticism because they do not understand it well.

Preparation for the scan

The scan is usually carried out by a radiologist, and you will be sent to the hospital's radiology department for the test. The radiologist may recommend that you avoid eating for at least two hours before the scan. Other things that you will be asked in preparation for the test is your medical history, especially if you are currently under any medication, and which drugs you are taking. Female patients may also be asked whether they are pregnant.

MRI scans and metallic implants

It is vital to mention to the radiologist or the doctor if you have any type of metallic implants in the body. The most sensitive ones are pacemakers. Other implants which are common include prosthetic heart valves, metal implants in the eyes and the ears, and infusion catheters. The doctor will determine if your implant is ferromagnetic, to see if it will be affected by the MRI. The strong magnetic pull of the MRI can cause serious and even fatal damages to organs of people with implants. However, if the implants are made of titanium, they will only distort images near the area of scan but no serious harm.

Psychological preparedness

The MRI machine encloses you in a chamber, and if you are claustrophobic, you will need to mentally prepare for the process. The MRI machine also makes a lot of noise, but you can be allowed to bring music and listen through earphones.  Just before the scan, you will have to remove all metallic accessories.

These are some of the things you can do to prepare for an MRI scan. Note that the procedure does not expose you to any unnecessary risk. When the right steps are taken in preparation, it proceeds very smoothly.

Share

Search