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MRI

What is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

In this examination, your body goes inside a tunnel of electromagnet waves to obtain cross-sectional images of the inside of your body using magnetic and radio waves. X-rays and CT scans, which are commonly used diagnostic imaging methods, use X-rays. In contrast, MRI uses magnetic and radio waves, and there is no need to worry about radiation exposure.

MRI is a very helpful diagnostic imaging method for diagnosing diseases because the MRI device can take images of the body slices (cross-sections) as well as the cross-sections at all angles.

State-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla superconducting MRI system has been introduced

MRI is useful for the early detection of cancer and prevention of brain damage. MRI creates clear images of movements of the blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. This state-of-the-art MRI system has the highest image quality that enhances diagnostic capabilities for the early detection of tumors and other lesions compared to other imaging methods.

Features of our equipment

You often feel entrapped when you take the MRI examination. However, for the equipment at our hospital, the tunnel diameter is as large as 70 cm, and the depth is 145 cm, the shortest for 1.5 Tesla.

Go to the detail of brain dock

【Pay attention to the following】

You are not eligible for undergoing an MRI scan if you have any of the following devices:

If you fall in any of the following categories, please let us know in advance:

Regarding the meal on the day of an MRI scan

In principle, you can have a meal.
However, this does not apply to a contrast test and tests for the gallbladder.
If you are taking medications, take it as usual unless otherwise instructed.

Preparation before the scan

Metals (magnetic materials) hinder MRI.
Credit cards, commuter passes, etc. will be unusable due to the magnetism of the MRI machine. You will have to remove all the metals you are wearing in the changing room to wear the examination clothes before the test.

Please note that the following items are strictly prohibited in the MRI room

Glasses, earrings, pierced earrings, necklaces, hair pins, watches, keys, dentures, mobile phones, magnetic card, magnetic plasters, and disposable body warmer

Time required for the MRI scan

It takes about 15–40 min depending on the part of the body and the disease to be examined.

During the MRI scan

You will be asked to lie on your back on the scanning table, and your body will be fixed so that it will not be out of position.
The entire table slides into the tunnel, and you can always talk through the microphone.
In addition, you will have a buzzer so that you can take the test without worry.
During the test, you will hear a continuous sound from the MRI machine and the sound comes from the electromagnet. You do not have to worry about it.
If the area to be tested is the chest or stomach, you may have an ECG or you may have to hold your breath several times.

About a contrast agent

Patients may be asked to take a contrast agent orally or via injection depending on the site/tissue to be tested to obtain a clear image and to check if the organs are functioning properly.
Although it is a safe drug with few side effects, it may occasionally cause nausea and itching.

Caution after the MRI scan

After the test, you can resume your usual activities.
When a contrast agent is used, it is excreted through the urine.
Take more fluids (tea, water, etc.) to promote excretion.

Images taken at our hospital

MRI can use blood flow to visualize blood vessels without using a contrast agent (MR-angiography: MRA)

Introduction of medical equipment