MRI scans for Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging uses health technology to scan the body to detect and diagnose illness, disease, conditions, and injury. You may be referred for a scan by your doctor for many number of reasons, or you can book one for yourself if you have symptoms that you would like to be checked. 

The main types of diagnostic imaging used is scans and tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) scan, coronary angiography, calcium score among many others. 

Strong magnetic fields and radio waves are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a form of scan, to provide precise images of the inside of the body.

An MRI scanner usually consists of a large tube with strong magnets inside, in which you lie down during the scan inside the tube. 
However, there are also open MRI scanners available, where the patient is able to sit, stand, or position themselves between the two large sides of the scanner, making it a more comfortable experience for a patient that has difficulty lying down, or who may suffer from claustrophobia. 

An MRI is operated by a radiographer, who will talk you through and assist you during thre procedure. You will be required to lie, sit or stand, depending on the type of machine used, and a series of short scans will be made, usually lasting around 2-3 minutes each. 

The radiographer will be on hand at all times to talk to you, to help if you need assistance or if you are feeling uncomfortable at any stage. 

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging works by detecting the protons within your body using powerful magnets. The magnetic fields causes the protons within your body to all line up in the same direction, same as with a compass. This can not be felt in any way, but it can be detected with the use of radio waves which cause the protons to become misaligned, then realigned when the radio waves are turned off. It is this movement that is picked up by the machine and produces an image. 

It is also possible for the machine to detect the protons in the different kinds of tissues in the body, producing different images. All together, this technology allows for very detailed images of the inside of the body.