What Exactly Is an MRI and How Does It Work
Monday, November 30th, 2009If you’ve ever personally had an MRI you’re familiar with this mammoth machine, and all the loud noises that emanate from it. Have you ever wondered what exactly is an MRI and how does it work? Read on to find out.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The MRI machine uses a combination of radio waves and a magnetic field to produce images of the inside of the body. Medical professionals can learn a lot from these images as they can see organ and bone structures insides the body, and determine if something is amiss. But, back to how it all really works.
The MRI machine looks something like a huge, thick block of metal. A patient is inserted into the tube until the part of the body that needs to be examined is in the exact center of the magnetic field inside the tube. The radio waves and magnets work together to slowly create an image of the inside tissues of the body.
Depending on how the parameters of the machine are set it can cause the body’s tissue to look differently. As such, if the tissue doesn’t appear as it should appear under a certain set of parameters this indicates that something is wrong. Although the images start out as 1-Dimensional images, eventually 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional images are created. Unlike and x-ray which is over in a flash, creating this sort of image take longer; usually anywhere from 30-45 minutes. The MRI can also show blood as it is actually flows through any part of the body, and amazingly, it can show the arteries without having to show the tissues that surround them!
The clarity of these images is the best the medical field currently has for diagnosing certain medical abnormalities. While the x-ray, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, and the ultrasound are incredibly valuable medical tools in and of themselves, they cannot produce the images that an MRI can.
These big-boy machines come in a variety of sizes but that variation is minimal. While some of the new models have a bit more openness on the sides, the basic structure of the all Magnetic Resonance Machines is the same. The magnets in an MRI machine are incredibly powerful. That is why much precaution is taken with regard to metal materials in the area of the machine.
Pens, scissors, car keys, and other item that have metal component can become really dangerous things if they are within the range of the magnets field of energy. This is why you’ll never see a medical professional wearing a stethoscope around there neck if they are within the magnet’s field of energy. Even if you have a Bic lighter in your pocket, the small metal shield that sits on the top of it can cause it to be pulled toward the center of the magnetic field located inside of the tube, thus causing your clothing to go along with it.
Magnets are incredible things, and have proven there worth to the world. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is another one that can be added to the list.
Trudi Buck blogs about how to choose among online MRI technician schools.