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Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI is a medical examination of the body to look inside the body and to check what is

going on inside the body. There are different ways to examine the inside of the body. For

example, X-ray, CT scan, Ultrasound, etc. But MRI examines the detailed structure of your

veins, organs, nerves, tissues, etc. Radiologic technologists are the medical care experts who

perform MRI and X-rays etc. They are responsible for the correct image results produced after

performing MRI.

MRI History

During the late 1930s, the spinning atom effect was first observed, and Isidor Isaac Rabi,

in 1938, sent a molecule stream through magnetic fields (Edelman, 2014). He illustrated it would

emit radio waves at a particular frequency. It was referred to as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

(NMR); however, the NMR technique was adopted for medical use in the 1970s, after which it

was renamed MRI since 'nuclear' scared off patients (Edelman, 2014). Paul Lauterbur, in 1973,

proved that NMR could generate images. In varying the magnetic field strength, it also altered

signals from different atoms hence create a picture. Peter Mansfield, a British scientist, prepared

a mathematical procedure that transformed MRI into a valuable rapid imaging system (Edelman,

2014). In 2003, both Lauterbur and Mansfield received a Nobel Prize in Medicine. Doctor

Raymond Damadian also played a significant role in enhancing MRI usage. In 1971, he revealed

that MRI could be useful in medical diagnosis, especially in differentiating cancer cells from

healthy tissues (Edelman, 2014). According to Damadian, compared to healthy tissues, cancer

tumors generated different signals, and in 1977, he successfully built a full-body MRI scanner

which he named 'indomitable' (Edelman, 2014). Technological advances in MRI have seen the
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number of imagers grow from a few in the 1980s to tens of thousands as of 2010 who have

performed more than 30 million imaging examinations (Edelman, 2014).

MRI Physics

Strong magnetic fields force body protons to align with that field since MRI utilizes

powerful magnets. To acquire an MRI image, a patient is positioned inside a giant magnet, and

they are required to remain still during the procedure. Then, radiofrequency is pulsed through the

patient, causing the protons to be stimulated and to spin out of balance and strain against the

magnetic field’s pull (National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering [NIBIB],

n.d.). MRI sensors can detect the energy produced as protons reorganize with the

electromagnetic field when the radiofrequency is unplugged. The molecule's chemical

composition and the environment affect the time taken to realign the protons and the quantity of

energy released. From the magnetic traits, a physician can be able to differentiate various tissue

types. As the NIBIB (n.d.) noted, contrast agents containing Gadolinium can be administered to a

patient to fasten proton alignment with magnetic fields and prevent blurring the image as the

faster they align, the more precise the image will be.

MRI Exams

An MRI can examine the brain, neck, heart, abdomen, joints, blood vessels, and spine

(Stanford Health Care, 2021). A functional MRI (fMRI) scans the brain by generating images of

the flow of blood in various parts of the brain and detects areas that should be considered for

surgery, damages from a head injury, or disorders like Alzheimer's disease (Stanford Health

Care, 2021). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) combines an MRI and intravenous (IV)

contrast dye to project blood vessels to evaluate the heart, soft tissues, and blood flow (Stanford

Health Care, 2021). Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) uses IV contrast dye and magnetic
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resonance to assess the veins. Apart from vein issues, MRV can detect causes of pain in the legs.

Lastly, a cardiac MRI is a current advanced technology that evaluates the heart condition

(Stanford Health Care, 2021). The examination offers a comprehensive image of the heart, blood

vessels, and various points of view. It provides more information for the physician regarding

heart functioning and any other abnormalities.

Effects of MRI

An MRI has no recorded side effects since it is painless and avoids radiation exposure

(NIBIB, n.d.). The one significant benefit is its ability to detect any structural abnormalities

precisely. Before taking an MRI, caution should be taken since the machine generates magnetic

fields which apply powerful forces on any magnetic object. Before the examination, a patient

with any metallic material like piercing, surgical clips, artificial bones, or prosthetic devices.

These foreign materials can deform the images produced. Other materials like heart pacemakers

or metal implants can risk magnetic pulls during examination, and a patient cannot have an MRI

if they are undergoing chemotherapy or have an inulin pump (NIBIB, n.d.). Other patients can

subsequently experience claustrophobic sensations while inside the closed magnetic tube hence

the need to communicate earlier about any condition. MRI scans should also be avoided for

pregnant women, especially in the first trimester though there is no illustrated effect (NIBIB,

n.d.).

MRI Certification in Florida

To be a certified MRI professional in Florida, one must pass an examination or be

certified through endorsement. Per the Florida Department of Health (2021), an applicant should

be at least 18 years during application time, have completed an approved education program, and

be of good character. General radiographers must complete a two-year accredited Radiologic

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Technology Program. For one to be certified through endorsement, an applicant must meet the

above requirements. They also need to prove they hold a Radiologic Technology certificate,

license, or registration from another jurisdiction equivalent to Florida's certificate.

Conclusion

MRI is a more advanced technology. This machine utilizes its best ways of saving lives

all throughout the planet consistently. Scientists are trying to improve this technology.

Radiologic technologists need no specific degree but a certificate in any specific field. Anyone

can pursue their career by getting an additional certificate in MRI or other diagnostic

technologies.
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References

Edelman, R. R. (2014). The history of MR imaging is seen through the pages of radiology.

Radiology, 273(2S), S181-S200. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.14140706

Florida Department of Health. (2021, March 10). Radiologist technologist FAQs. Florida Health.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/radiation-control/radtech/radtech-

faq.html

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. (n.d.). Magnetic resonance

imaging (MRI). National Institute of Health. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-

education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri

Stanford Health Care. (2021). Types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Stanford

Medicine. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/m/mri/types.html