MRI: What It Is, How It Work and What to Know

Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI, is one of the most common and widely used tools in modern medicine. If your physician or provider has ever recommended an MRI, you might have found yourself wondering what exactly that means, and what the experience will be like. From the large equipment to the unfamiliar sounds during a scan, it is normal to feel a little uncertain at first. The good news is that MRI is a safe, noninvasive way for physicians and providers to get a closer look at what is happening inside your body.

What is an MRI Scan?

An MRI is a noninvasive medical scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs tissues and structures inside of your body.  Unlike X-rays or CT scans, an MRI does not rely on radiation. Instead, it uses a powerful magnetic field,

radiofrequency waves and a computer to generate highly detailed images.

How Does an MRI Work?

The MRI machine uses a magnetic field that temporarily aligns hydrogen atoms in your body while radio waves are then used to disrupt this alignment. As the atoms return to their normal state, they emit signals that are captured and turned into 3D images by a computer.

What Happens During an MRI Scan?

An MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped machine where a patient will lie on a table that slides into the machine for the scan. The machine can be noisy, producing tapping or thumping sounds during the scan. It is important to remain as still as possible to ensure clear images. The imaging technologist will be nearby relaying encouragement and instruction throughout the scan.

What Does an MRI Show?

MRI scans provide highly detailed images of soft tissues and internal structures. An MRI scan can be used to evaluate the brain and spinal cord, diagnose joint and ligament injuries, assess muscles and tendons, and examine organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys and prostate.

Your physician or provider may recommend an MRI to detect tumors, inflammation or signs of disease, as well as monitor ongoing conditions and guide treatment plans. Because MRI produces such high-resolution images, it plays an important role in both diagnosing issues and tracking how well treatments are working over time.

What is an MRI With and Without Contrast?

Depending on what is being examined, your physician or provider may order your MRI with or without contrast. An MRI without contrast is considered the standard no additional steps. An MRI with contrast means that a dye (non-iodinated contrast) will be administered through an IV prior to the scan. The dye/contrast can help highlight areas of inflammation, infection, tumors or enhance blood vessel abnormalities that may not be as clearly seen on the initial images.

What is the Different Between an MRI and a CT Scan?

When comparing a computer tomography (CT) scan to an MRI, the main difference comes down to how the images are created and what they are best used for. A CT scan, the faster of the two procedures, uses X-rays to quickly capture detailed images of bones, organs and injuries, making it especially useful in emergency situations. An MRI, on the other hand, uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues like the brain, muscles, ligaments and organs. MRI is often preferred for evaluating conditions involving soft tissue, while CT scans are typically chosen for detecting fractures, internal bleeding and lung imaging. Another key difference is that MRI does not use radiation, whereas CT scans do. CT is a faster scan less time for the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MRI Use Radiation?

No, an MRI scan does not use radiation.

How Long Does an MRI Scan Take?

The length of an MRI scan can vary depending on the body part being examined and whether contrast dye is used. In general, most MRI scans take between 30 to 90 minutes.

Can you eat before an MRI?

In most cases, yes, you can eat and drink normally. However, if your MRI requires contrast or is focused on the abdomen, your physician or provider may ask you to avoid eating for several hours beforehand. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your health care team.

What Should I Wear for an MRI?

It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal components such as zippers, snaps, hooks or underwire. In many cases, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown or scrubs to ensure nothing interferes with the imaging. Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, all metal objects such as jewelry, watches and hairpins must be removed before the scan.

Do I Need a Referral?

Yes, a referral is required for an MRI scan. Your physician or provider must place an order before the exam can be scheduled, as this provides the imaging team with important details about what area of the body needs to be scanned. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid metallic eye make-up, magnetic eyelashes, wigs and hair extensions.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

When your physician or provider recommends an MRI scan, it is because the advanced imaging can provide valuable insights into your health to guide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. At Hattiesburg Clinic Imaging, our highly-trained technologists are committed to providing high-quality care and comfort before, during and after your scan. Offering a full range of outpatient imaging, our team is focused on helping your physician and provider create the whole picture to create a care plan that is tailored to you and your needs.

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About Hattiesburg Clinic Imaging:

Hattiesburg Clinic Imaging has worked diligently over recent years to expand diagnostic imaging capabilities. These expansions are designed to provide Hattiesburg Clinic physicians with a diverse imaging department and to extend these services to Hattiesburg and surrounding communities as an experienced and progressive outpatient imaging facility.

Hattiesburg Clinic Imaging provides comprehensive outpatient imaging modalities including digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan and ultrasonography.

About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.