Magnetic resonance imaging is a painless imaging method that doesn't involve radiation exposure. Body MRI images identify and characterize health conditions more accurately than CT scans, angiography, and x-rays, making it an essential tool in the early evaluation and diagnosis of tumors, focal lesions, and cancer. Los Angeles Diagnostics is a premier choice for imaging. Our integration of dedication, service, and expertise to offer state-of-the-art imaging technology can provide comprehensive diagnostic support for you and your loved ones.
What is Body MRI?
MRI of the body is a painless and non-invasive test that produces detailed images of the body. Thanks to radio waves and magnetic fields created in the MRI equipment. You can get the test at a radiology center or hospital.
The MRI scan differs from other imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans in that it doesn't use radiation to create images. It integrates images to create a 3D picture of the internal structure. Therefore, it is more effective than other imaging procedures at detecting irregularities in tiny body structures such as the brainstem and pituitary glands. Sometimes a dye or contrast agent can be administered through an intravenous (IV) line to improve visualizing specific abnormalities and structures.
The conventional MRI machine is a cylinder-shaped tube with a circular magnet surrounding it. The patient lies on a table that slides into the magnet's center.
Short-bore MRI equipment is tailored in a way that the magnet doesn't surround a person. Modern units have a large diameter that might be more comfortable for patients with claustrophobia or large body frame.
On the contrary, open MRIs are open on the side, making them ideal for large or claustrophobic persons. While they produce exceptional images for most types of examinations, they can perform specific tests.
Uses of a Body MRI
Full body MRIs are used to evaluate:
- Lymph nodes
- Blood vessels
- Pelvic organs, including reproductive organs and the bladder
- Chest and abdominal organs like the liver, heart, spleen, biliary tract, pancreas, adrenal glands, and bowel
Doctors use MRI examination to monitor treatment or diagnose health conditions like:
- Tumor of your chest, pelvis, or abdomen
- Liver diseases like cirrhosis and the pancreas and bile duct abnormalities
- Inflammatory bowel ailments such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- A fetus
- Inflammation and malformation of blood vessels
- Cardiovascular health conditions like congenital health ailment
How the MRI Scanner Works
Your body is made of water molecules that consist of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. In the middle of all hydrogen atoms are small particles known as protons sensitive to magnetic fields.
When a person lies on the scanner, the protons in the body line up in one direction, bursts of radio are sent to specific body areas, knocking your protons out of alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign, sending out radio signals picked by receivers. The signals offer details about the location of protons in your body.
In the same manner that pixels on the computer could create images, the signals of your protons in your body produce detailed images of your body.
Preparing for Your Scan
Nobody looks forward to having magnetic resonance imaging. It's essential to understand that while the scan's anticipation could be scary, the process is less frightening than you might imagine. The process is painless and only requires you to remain still.
If you are anxious, consider channeling the energy and effort into preparing for the scan. Here is how to prepare for your procedure.
Notify the Physician If You're Claustrophobic
During your MRI scan, you'll be lying on the scanner. If you've previously dealt with claustrophobia, you might find that it causes you anxiety. To cope with the situation better, speak with the technician beforehand and explain the history of claustrophobia and concerns. They might prescribe medications before the procedure that will assist you in remaining calm.
Be Truthful With the Doctor
Specific health conditions might require modification of the MRI scan. Any metallic implants in your body could result in problems since the MRI scan is magnetic. These concerns include:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Kidney challenges
- A pacemaker and cardiac defibrillators
- Metal coils in the blood vessels
- Bullet wounds or past shrapnel
- Cochlear implants
- Implanted drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps
The medical specialist will run through a list of conditions to ensure it is safe to perform the scan. Be sure you are honest and upfront with them; misrepresenting aspects of the health might result in challenges with the imaging.
If your doctor asks you to avoid specific food or try another diet before the scan, make sure you adhere to the advice. Similarly, if the physician asks you to stop taking your old medication, take new medications, exercise more, or change your daily routine, do as they advise. It will ensure the scan is smooth and produce accurate results, helping the doctor diagnose correctly.
If you do not receive specific instructions, make sure you follow your normal schedule.
Do Not Get a New Piercing
When a patient goes for their scan, they should remove all earrings and body piercings. Well, this is not an issue with healed piercings, but if their piercing is new and has not healed, it might close up during your scan.
To prevent losing your piercings, avoid getting new ones in a couple of days leading to the scan.
Do Not Wear Your Jewelry and Accessories
Remove your jewelry and accessories or leave them at home. Electronic items and metal could hinder the scanner's magnetic fields, and they aren't permitted in the exam room. They might become hazardous projectiles within the room or cause burns. Some of these items are:
- Watches, jewelry, hearing aids, and credit cards
- Pins, metal zippers
- Eyeglasses
- Removable dentures
- Pocket knives and pens
- Tracking devices, electronic watches, mobile phones
While some tattoos inks contain traces of metal, most tattoos are safe in the scanner. Tell your radiographer once you experience heat or discomfort in the tattoo during your scan.
Sedation and Anesthesia
Minors often need anesthesia or sedation to complete their examination without moving. It hinges on the form of the examination, intellectual level, and the juvenile's age. A pediatric anesthesia expert must be there during the scan for the child's safety. The specialist will guide you on how to prepare the child.
Any experienced imaging center has staff specialized in working with minor children to prevent anesthesia necessity. They prepare your children by presenting them with a scanner and listen to noises the children could hear during their scan. They will also clarify the medical procedure in detail and respond to all questions.
Some diagnostic centers offer headsets and goggles so your child may watch their preferred movie during the scan. It allows the juvenile to stay calm and capture quality images.
What to Anticipate During the Scan
Your technician might provide you with a hospital gown. Alternatively, you can be permitted to put on your clothes provided they are loose-fitting and don't have metal fasteners.
Drinking and eating guidelines before the scan vary, depending mainly on the facility and examination. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, take your medication and food as usual.
Before some magnetic resonance imaging, you'll obtain contrast dye into your vein via the hand or arm. The dye helps your doctor to see your body structures clearly. Typically, the dye used is gadolinium, and it might leave a metallic taste in the mouth.
You'll lie on the table which slides into the scanner. The technician could use straps to aid you in remaining still during your test. It would be best if you stayed calm since any movement will disrupt the image.
Once in the MRI equipment, the technician will communicate with you through the intercom to ensure you are comfortable. Any experienced radiologist cannot start your medical procedure until you are ready.
The MRI equipment generates a strong magnetic field in the body. A computer receives signals from the scanner and uses them to make images. All images show a thin slice of the body.
You will hear a thumping or tapping sound throughout the scan. It is the scanner generating energy to capture images in the body. Your technician should provide you with headphones or earplugs to quiet the sound.
You could also feel a twitch sensation. It happens when the scanner stimulates your nerves. It is normal, and you should not fear.
Typically, the scan takes approximately twenty to ninety minutes.
What To Expect After Your Scan
You will change into your clothing and go home. There aren't restrictions on what you can do following your test. You can resume your normal activities immediately. If you had sedation, you might require another individual to drive you home.
Interpreting Your Results
You will need to wait before hearing from your physician about your test results. Inquire from your radiologist about how long you should wait.
The skilled radiologist will examine and interpret your scans. They'll write up and send a report to your medical doctor, who will then share the scan outcome with you and the course of action.
Typically, your radiography report will include numerous sections such as the clinical history, examination type, and findings. The findings are categorized as potential abnormal, abnormal, and normal.
Your competent radiologist will integrate your medical history with the MRI results and rationale for your test and make a diagnosis based on the factors in your impression section.
You might need a follow-up with a competent medical expert if the MRI results were not normal.
If the test did not find what the physician was searching for, you'll have a repeat magnetic resonance imaging that applies different imaging techniques or views. You might also have an ultrasound, CT scan, nuclear medicine imaging, biopsy, or x-ray.
Body MRI Scans Have Risks
Listed below are risks for the examination:
- The examination does not pose any risk when safety procedures are adhered to.
- If sedation is used, there is a possibility of using a lot. Nevertheless, your technologist should monitor the vital signs to reduce the risk.
- You might experience allergic reactions if a contrast agent is used. The reactions are mild, and medications can control them. If the symptoms persist, seek medical intervention.
- Nursing mothers shouldn't breastfeed their children for at least twenty hours following contrast agent administration.
MRI Full Body Scan Costs: Finding Affordable Imaging
Lately, MRI scan prices have been escalating, particularly in hospitals. The Nation Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) discovered that most people accept referrals from their physicians and do not research widely around for a cost-effective imaging center. It is also reported that considerable out-of-pocket cost exposure means that people often receive care in high-end locations while pocket-friendly options are available. Less than one percent of participants used price transparency tools to know their imaging cost before the procedure.
The cost ranges between a couple of hundred and thousands of dollars, depending mainly on your need, situation, and location.
Generally, MRI tests are covered by medical insurance, provided your physician orders them. Nonetheless, insurance plans offer different degrees of coverage. Substantial copays or high-deductible health plans could mean paying more money out of pocket. Consult with your insurance provider to learn more about the MRI coverage and policy.
If you are insured or contemplating elective magnetic resonance imaging, you will most likely pay out of pocket. Luckily, you may save a lot of money on scans by conducting research and scheduling your scan at a diagnostic center instead of a hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discussed below are questions that any experienced MRI diagnostic center has answered over and over again:
Can You Wear a Mask During Your MRI?
When you must wear a face mask during your MRI scan, especially during the COVD-19 pandemic, ensure the face mask has no metal. Some face masks have nose pieces, flexible parts, nanoparticles, antimicrobial coating, or flexible parts that might contain metal such as copper or silver. The metal might become hot and burn you during the scan.
If your technician can't establish the absence of metal and it's determined to be suitable for you to put on a face mask, you should use an alternative face mask without a metal. Your physician should provide you with a mask without a metal.
Can You Sleep During Your MRI Scan?
Most MRI examinations need your cooperation and ability to comply with requests to hold the breath to capture the images, and you will not be allowed to fall asleep.
Will You be Able to Drive Yourself Home?
No, you'll require a person to drive you home. Even though the valium might feel like it's out of your system after the scan, you might experience the side effects, impairing your driving ability. Since these side effects might last for a few hours, you should not use power tools, sharp objects, return to work, or drive.
How Do You Deal with Anxiety During Your Scan?
Feeling anxious during the medical process is not uncommon. The scanner is noisy (due to the vibrating with rapid pulses of electricity and banging metal coils) and sometimes claustrophobic.
However, you should not fear. The procedure is painless and takes only a couple of minutes. Your technician will speak with you between and before the sections, offering adequate time to ask questions. Do not shy off; your technician is ready to assist.
Moreover, there is a call button that you may press any time and notify your technician if you require repositioning or have an itch.
Here are tips on how to stay relaxed:
- Have a loved one present during your scan
- Use the cushions and warm blankets provided by the technician
- Listen to your favorite music
- Regulate your breathing. If you begin feeling stressed, inhale through the nose and exhale slowly using your mouth.
How Does MRI Differ from CT Scan? Which is Better?
CT scan means computed tomography. It uses x-rays to create several cross-sections of your body.
It's used to look for challenges in your tissues, brain, bones, among other organs. Typically, a physician uses it to identify circulation challenges, abdominal abnormalities, causes of urinary bleeding, head conditions, skeletal system challenges, and lung issues.
There are numerous differences between MRIs and CT scan, including:
- An MRI is about twice the cost of a CT scan.
- While a CT scan lasts about ten minutes, an MRI could take a maximum of an hour. The exact time required for a CT scan depends on whether you require a contrast dye for your medical procedure or not.
- Unlike CT scans, MRIs produce more detailed and sharper images, especially regions behind your bones and soft tissues.
- Unlike a CT scan, an MRI is noisy, and you'll obtain headphones or earplugs to lower the effect on the ears.
The best imaging procedure for you will depend on what the medical expert is looking for. Your medical history and symptoms will also guide the doctor when selecting the most suitable diagnostic method. Your risk factor is also a factor when selecting the proper scan for you.
Find an Experienced Diagnostic Imaging Center Near Me
MRI is a painless imaging technique that does not use ionizing radiation or x-rays. It captures comprehensive images that your radiologist could use to identify abnormal tissue variation, rule out diseases, and discover conditions early where your doctor could advise a treatment plan.
At Los Angeles Diagnostics, our experienced technologists, radiologists, and physicians can provide professional attention in a compassionate and caring environment. The welcoming and warm reception starts when scheduling your appointment, goes on through your examination, interpretation, and quick sharing of your results. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us today at 323-486-7502.
We look forward to serving you.
