At Southern Imaging Services, we provide high-quality MRI scans with advanced technology and a patient-first approach. Our team in Charlotte is dedicated to making your imaging experience smooth, safe, and stress-free. Whether you need an MRI of the brain, spinal cord, blood vessels, or joints, we deliver precise results with expert care. Visit us for reliable, professional imaging services you can trust.
An MRI scan is a common imaging test that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs, tissues, and skeletal structures. It helps diagnose conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, heart and blood vessels, bones and joints, and soft tissues. Understanding the process ensures a smooth experience and accurate results.
In this blog, we cover how to prepare for your MRI scan, what happens during the procedure, key MRI safety considerations, and what to expect afterward, ensuring a smooth experience at our imaging center in Charlotte.
Preparing for Your MRI Exam
Getting ready for your MRI scan ensures clear MRI images and a smooth experience. Follow these steps to prepare properly.
Clothing and Personal Items
Wear loose, comfortable MRI-safe clothing without metal objects like zippers or buttons. Some facilities provide a gown. Remove jewelry, hearing aids, and metallic joint prostheses to avoid interference with the magnetic field.
Medical History and Safety Concerns
Tell your doctor if you have pins, screws, plates, stents, or surgical staples. Some metal or electronic devices may be a safety hazard if attracted to the MRI machine. Inform your provider if you have implanted drug infusion pumps or aneurysms of cerebral vessels.
Contrast Material Considerations
Some MRI exams require contrast material, usually gadolinium, to improve detailed images of organs, tissues, and skeletal structures. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions, but notify your doctor of any allergies or kidney conditions.
Managing Claustrophobia and Anxiety
If you have a fear of enclosed spaces, discuss options with your provider. Some patients use sedation or choose an open MRI machine. Listening to music or practicing relaxation techniques may help.
Dietary and Medication Instructions
For most MRI exams, eating and drinking normally is fine. If fasting is required, your provider will inform you. Take regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
Tattoos, Makeup, and Cosmetics
Avoid cosmetics that contain metal, such as some tattoos or permanent makeup, as they can affect the magnetic imaging process. Darker inks contain metal, which may heat up during the scan.
During the MRI Scan
Understanding what happens during your MRI scan helps you stay calm and prepared. The process is straightforward and carefully monitored for safety.
Entering the MRI Machine
You will lie on a movable table that slides into the MRI machine, which contains large tube-shaped magnets. The magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves create detailed images of organs, tissues, and skeletal structures.
Sounds and Sensations
The MRI machine produces repetitive tapping, thumping, or loud knocking noises during the scan. These sounds result from the magnet producing pulses to capture high-resolution images. Earplugs or headphones may be provided to reduce noise.
Contrast Material Injection
For some MRI exams, a contrast material, usually gadolinium, is injected to enhance images of blood flow, brain and spinal cord, and soft tissues. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions, but notify your provider of any concerns.
Remaining Still for Clear Images
To get high-resolution images, you must stay completely still. Even slight movement can blur MRI images, requiring additional scans. Some scans may involve short breath-holding.
Scan Duration
Most MRI exams take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the body part being scanned. Some specialized MRI scans, such as MRI of the brain or MRI of the breasts, may take longer.
Monitoring and Communication
Technicians monitor you from another room. You can communicate through an intercom at any time. If you feel discomfort or anxiety, you can ask to pause the scan.
MRI Safety Considerations
MRI scans are generally safe, but certain materials and medical conditions require special precautions. Understanding these safety factors helps prevent risks during the procedure.
Metal and Electronic Implants
The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field that can pull on metal objects or interfere with electronic devices. Inform your doctor if you have pins, screws, plates, stents, or surgical staples. Some implanted drug infusion pumps, hearing aids, or metallic joint prostheses may not be MRI safe.
Risk of Magnetic Attraction
Certain objects can be attracted to the magnet, creating a safety hazard. Avoid bringing jewelry, watches, credit cards, or cosmetics that contain metal into the scan room. Tattoos or permanent makeup with darker inks that contain metal may cause discomfort or irritation.
Contrast Material Reactions
Some MRI scans require contrast material, typically gadolinium, to improve detailed images of blood vessels, brain and spinal cord, and soft tissues. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions, but patients with kidney disease may need alternative options.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety Management
If you have a fear of enclosed spaces, tell your provider. Some patients choose an open MRI machine or take mild sedation. Technicians provide an intercom for communication throughout the scan.
Pregnancy and MRI Safety
MRI scans do not use radiation, but pregnant patients should consult their doctor before undergoing a scan. In most cases, MRI is safe, but contrast material is usually avoided unless medically necessary.
After Your MRI Scan
Once your MRI exam is complete, you can typically resume normal activities. The next steps depend on whether sedation or contrast material was used.
Post-Scan Recovery
If you did not receive sedation, you can leave immediately. If sedation was used, you may need to rest until it wears off. A friend or family member should drive you home.
Contrast Material Clearance
If you received contrast material, drink plenty of water to help flush gadolinium from your system. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions, but notify your provider if you experience itching, swelling, or dizziness.
Reviewing MRI Results
A medical professional will examine your MRI images for signs of brain and spinal cord conditions, blood vessel abnormalities, or organ issues. Your doctor will receive the results and discuss the findings with you.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor may order additional tests, such as a CT scan or another MRI scan, for further evaluation. If treatment is needed, your provider will explain the next steps.
Visit Our Charlotte Imaging Center For Your MRI!
If you need an MRI scan, our experienced team at Southern Imaging Services is here to provide accurate imaging and expert care in a comfortable setting. Whether you have questions about MRI safety, contrast material, or the scanning process, we are ready to help.
Schedule an appointment with us today at (704) 321-4798!
