What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technique used for diagnosing various conditions. This does not involve x rays, but the patient is exposed to radiofrequency radiation. This reduces patient exposure to ionizing radiation. It is non-invasive and used in the treatment planning of many conditions. It involves passing all or part of the patient’s body into an imaging machine or MRI scanner. The patient is told to keep still and has earphones to wear as the technique is noisy. The radiographer is not in the room that the scanner is in; but can communicate with the patient via the earphones. An emergency buzzer is given to the patient who on pressing it can stop the continuation of the procedure. An MRI scan takes a lot longer than an x ray to perform.