Test Overview

• Test Overview
• Why It Is Done
• How To Prepare
• How It Is Done
• How It Feels
• Risks
• Test Results
• What Affects the Test
• What To Think About
• Other Treatment

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is positioned inside a strong magnetic field. The MRI can detect changes in the normal structure and characteristics of organs or other tissues. It also can detect tissue damage or disease, such as a tumor or infection. Information from an MRI scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs or films of selected views can also be made.

In some cases a contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to enhance the images of certain structures. The contrast material may help evaluate blood flow, detect some types of tumors, and locate areas of inflammation.

While MRI is a safe and valuable test for looking at structures and organs inside the body, it is more expensive than other imaging techniques and it may not be available in all medical centers.