Our Services / MRI

What is an MRI?

A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) combines computer-made radio waves with a strong magnetic field to create images of your body’s soft structures, including your organs and tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments). These detailed images help your doctor diagnose diseases, infections, and injuries.

How does an MRI work?

The MRI machine is a large magnetic structure shaped like a long tube. You lie on a moveable bed inside the circular frame, which creates a magnetic effect that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms. A beam of radio waves then reacts with the protons, spinning them throughout the body.

The protons in the body produce a faint signal that the receiving scanner portion detects. An outside computer processes this information to produce a highly accurate image of your body's softer internal structures.

For some procedures, your radiologist may use a contrast agent, such as gadolinium, to enhance the accuracy of the images.

Why would I need an MRI?

An MRI can help diagnose and monitor various conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, heart, blood vessels, other internal organs, bones, and soft tissues. Your doctor may order an MRI to evaluate:

• Damaged cartilage or ligaments
• Bone or soft tissue tissues
• Spinal abnormalities (herniated disc)
• Bone infections
• Breast cancer (particularly in women with dense breast tissue)
• Blood vessel blockages
• Heart chamber size
• The thickness of the heart walls

Your radiologist can also use an MRI to check for inflammation or tumors in the ovaries, spleen, uterus, prostate, liver and bile ducts, kidneys, and pancreas.

What happens during an MRI?

Since an MRI uses magnetic energy, removing any jewelry at the beginning of your visit is essential. Next, you lie down on the movable bed inside of the machine. If you feel anxious about small spaces, medication can be prescribed by your provider to help you relax. 

Depending on the type of MRI you receive, your technologist may ask you to lie still or perform functional tasks like answering questions or snapping your fingers. Functional MRIs typically monitor your brain function.

The entire procedure is quick and painless. Most MRI tests take just 30 minutes or less, so you can resume your normal activities immediately after you leave. If you need a sedative to relax during the procedure, your radiologist may monitor you before you go.

To learn more about MRI tests, call One Step Diagnostic or schedule an appointment online today.