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Home > Imaging Services
MRIYour physician has ordered a MRI exam for you to learn more. We have compiled this information about your exam to better inform you and help answer your questions.
The MRI staff at all of our facilities is available to answer any additional questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to ask.Overview of MRI Exam
Preparing for your MRI Exam
Our Service
Overview of MRI Exam
What is an MRI Exam?Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a valuable, painless, diagnostic test that allows radiologists 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. MRI 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 MRI 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.
Common usesAreas 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.
Surgical ImplantsPatients with any kind of metallic implant anywhere in their body should not have an MRI unless their physician is fully aware of the device and has approved the MRI procedure. Under no circumstances should a patient who has a pacemaker have an MRI.
Pediatric MR ImagingWe 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.Preparing for your MRI Exam
What should I expect BEFORE my MRI Exam?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 MRI Exam.
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 paper work, change your clothes for your MRI Exam and answer questions from our technologist about your medical history before we start your scan.
What to wear
For all MRI scans, you most likely will change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are 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, eyeglasses, 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 / head 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.)
What will I experience DURING my MRI Exam?Scanning
Your technologist will 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 earplugs 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.
Sample sound clips of an MRI exam at medium and highvolume.
Length of MRI exam
Each MRI scan is individualized and tailored to each patient's needs. If you've had previous MRI exam, 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, 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. What should I expect AFTER my MRI Exam?You have no restrictions after having a MRI exam and can go about your normal activities. To help eliminate the contrast medium from your body, remember to drink plenty of fluids.
MRI Exam ResultsAll MRI exams are read by a Mass General radiologist specialty trained in MR imaging and dedicated to the specific area of interest for your study.
Rapid results are essential not only for your peace of mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately, if necessary. After the scan has been read, the results are sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you.Our Service
Locations where MRI Exam is performed
How to Schedule an MRI ExamA referral from a physician is required for an MRI exam. Physicians may schedule patients using our online scheduling and report access program - ROE.
Additional Information and Resources
MGH Radiology Rounds E-Newsletter
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