About MRI
What To Do To Prepare For Your Scan
The MRI Scan
What Happens During The Scan

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MRI Scan Defined
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a valuable, painless, diagnostic test that allows radiologists (doctors who specialize in the use of imaging for diagnosing diseases) to see inside some areas of the body which cannot be seen using conventional x-rays. This imaging method produces a series of cross-sectional pictures. This technology has advanced so markedly over the past few years that it has greatly altered treatment courses. Physicians can detect many conditions in earlier stages, greatly optimizing patient outcomes.

Mass General Imaging uses state-of-the-art scanners to take pictures with very high resolution of your body. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.

Areas of the body which may undergo an MRI scan include the head, chest, abdomen, vital organs, joints, spine or extremities such as hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Our highly sophisticated scanners also have capability to diagnose diseases of blood vessels in the brain, neck, and body.

Safety
All of our equipment is maintained in top condition, meeting not only the standards set by the federal government, but also by those set by Mass General Hospital’s health physicists.

MRI scanners do not use x-rays. Instead, they use a very strong magnet and radio frequency. Even so, it is important to tell the technologist if there is a chance you could be pregnant. There is no evidence that MRI is unsafe for a developing fetus; however, we are still careful in the use of MRI on pregnant patients.

Pediatric Imaging
We welcome pediatric patients at our imaging centers. Specific time slots are reserved for pediatric MRIs so that pediatric nurses and technologists can spend extra time with children and families. Our staff, trained in the care of pediatric patients, works closely with MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Pediatric radiologists collaborate with subspecialists at Mass General Hospital to maximize pediatric images.

Medications It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Just let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your scan. Food And Drink You may eat or drink anything you like before a typical MRI test. If you are having your abdomen scanned it may be necessary for you to fast for a few hours before the test and to drink some contrast (please see the "Contrast Medium" section) when you arrive for your test. A representative of the MRI Department will call you the day before your test and give you any instructions you need. At that time, we can also tell you approximately how long we anticipate your test will take.

When To Arrive You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any necessary paperwork, change your clothes for your scan and answer questions from our technologist about your medical history before we start your scan.

Clothing/Metallic Objects
For all MRI scans, you most likely will change into a hospital gown. Our changing area is private and there is a secure locker for your clothes. It is best, however, if you leave valuable items at home. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, glasses, or hearing aids that might interfere with the MRI scan, we will ask you to remove them. You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card. Patients who are having a brain scan should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.

Intravenous Preparation
Many of our patients receive a contrast agent intravenously (IV - in a vein in the arm) during their MRI scan in order to give a clearer picture of the area being scanned. If your doctor has determined that this procedure will enhance your MRI scan results, the technologist will place an IV in your arm prior to your going into the scan. (Please see the "Contrast Medium" section of this website.)

Scanning
Your technologist will then bring you into the MRI scan room where you will lie down on the patient table. The technologist positions the part of your body to be scanned in the middle of the large cylindrical magnet. The scanner does not touch you, nor do you feel anything. Because the scanner does make a loud knocking noise when it takes the pictures, the technologist will offer you headphones to listen to music or ear plugs to lessen the sound. The technologist leaves the room, but is in full view and communication with you through the observation window in the adjoining room. There is also voice communication at all times through an intercom. It is important for you to lie very still and at some points, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath as the picture is taken.

Length of Scan
Each MRI scan is individualized and tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’ve had previous MRI scan, do not be concerned if this one is longer or shorter duration. After your preliminary scan, if you require a contrast medium, the technologist will bring you out of the magnet and inject the contrast into the IV placed in your arm. The technologist then returns you to your original position in the magnet.After all of the images are taken, we may ask you to wait a few moments while the radiologist reviews all the images so we can be sure we have exactly what your doctor wants. You may then get dressed and leave.


Contrast Medium
Contrast mediums, or agents, (sometimes called dyes) highlight your organs and blood vessels and help the radiologist to see them better. At a prior time, you may have already been exposed to a contrast medium if you have had a kidney scan, angiogram or a CT scan. In the past, most contrast agents contained iodine that could cause an allergic reaction in some people. Today, however, the contrast material is much safer. The incidence of reaction is extremely rare. In fact, most patients will feel nothing at all during or after the injection.

After The Scan You have no restrictions after having a MRI scan and can go about your normal activities. To help eliminate the contrast medium from your body, remember to drink plenty of fluids. Results Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately. Massachusetts General Hospital radiologists read the scans and foward the results of your test to your physician, who will discuss them with you.

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