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Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 1.5 Tesla Associated Programs Tests & Services Meet Our Team Locations Resources for Families Research Referral Guidelines Contact Information Request an Apppointment     Email This Page Print This Page           Tests and Services Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 1.5 Tesla Children’s team performs more than 5,500 MRI procedures annually, ensuring patient safety through a new Ferralert System to detect iron containing materials before a patient enters the MRI room. Children’s was one of the first hospitals to install this important patient safety system. This test is only performed at Children's National Medical Center-Main Hospital location. What is MRI? What is the preparation for a MRI? How is a MRI performed? What happens after the procedure? What is MRI? MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. MRI can be used to: Evaluate organ structure Assess blood flow to muscles Evaluate infections Detect tumors The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. This magnetic field, along with a radiofrequency, alters the natural alignment of hydrogen atoms in the body. Computers are then used to form two-dimensional images of an organ’s structure based on the activity of the hydrogen atoms. Cross-sectional views can be obtained to reveal further details. MRI does not use radiation, like x-rays or computed tomography (CT scans). MRI does not pose any risks unless your child has any kind of implanted metal objects in the body. Be sure to let your child's physician know if your child has any of the following: Implanted pacemaker Implanted medication device, such as an insulin pump Metal clips or pins, or other metal objects in the body Any bullet wounds, particularly if the bullet remains in the body Any metal joint replacements or heart valve replacements A downloadable PDF is available for assistance with metal screening. Back to Top What is the preparation for a MRI? Make sure your child is not wearing any metal jewelry, hair clips, or barrettes, as these will have to be removed prior to the test. If your child's physician schedules a MRI scan and decides to use contrast dye to enhance the pictures, your child may need to be NPO (fasting, nothing by mouth) for several hours prior to the procedure. You will receive instructions about this from your child's physician or another healthcare professional. Children may receive anesthesia before the procedure to make them feel more comfortable and help them to remain still and quiet during the procedure, which may last 30 to 60 minutes. Parents may stay with their child in the MRI room until he/she becomes sleepy and will reunite with their child before they wake up from the procedure. Back to Top How is a MRI performed? The MRI scanner is located in a large room. Your child will lie on a narrow table that slides into the hollow tube-shaped scanner. The MRI staff will be in an adjacent room where the equipment controls are located. However, they will be able to see your child through a large window and will be monitoring him/her constantly during the procedure. The MRI scanning machine makes loud banging or knocking noises when adjustments are being made. Your child will wear a set of headphones to help protect his/her ears from the noise of the scanner and to hear instructions from the MRI staff. Music may be played in the headphones when instructions are not being given. Once the procedure begins, your child will need to remain very still at all times so that movement will not adversely affect the quality of the images. At intervals, he/she will be instructed to hold his/her breath, if possible, for a few seconds. Your child should not have to hold his/her breath for longer than a few seconds, so this should not be uncomfortable. Young children who cannot remain still for the procedure will be given medication to help them relax or sleep during the MRI scan. MRI contrast contains Gadolinium, and side effects occur very rarely. The most common effects of Gadolinium contrast injection are injection site symptoms, such as pain, localized warmth, burning sensation. In some cases, chest pain, back pain, fever, weakness, generalized coldness, generalized warmth, arrhythmia, tachycardia, migraine, syncope, vasodilation, gastrointestinal distress, stomach pain, throat irritation, rhinorrhea, sneezing, dyspnea, or wheezing can occur. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF2), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), was first diagnosed in 1997 and is a rare complication of intravenous gadolinium administration. Risk factors include: advanced renal disease, age 60 years, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, and in adults with a history of severe hepatic disease/liver transplant/pending liver transplant. Should your child experience any problems after the MRI study you can call the MRI nursing desk between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm or come to Children’s emergency department at any time. Once the procedure is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner. If your child received medication for relaxation or sleep, he/she will be monitored until the medication wears off and he/she is awake again. If an IV was inserted, it will be taken out after the procedure is over and your child is awake. Back to Top What happens after the procedure? Without sedation, your child should be able to resume normal activities immediately, unless your child's physician instructs you otherwise. With sedation, your child may feel groggy, tired, or sleepy for a period of several hours after the procedure. The nurses and doctors will monitor your child until they are sure he/she is ready to go home. Depending on the results of the MRI additional tests or procedures may be scheduled to gather further diagnostic information. Back to Top