MRI Imaging Technology
Good morning again and welcome to My science jobs and an introduction to MRI -Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Recently a friend of mine undertook an MRI scan, which for some people can be an intimidating and daunting experience.
My friend’s experience with her Radiologist however was both pleasant and reassuring as she was guided through the process with understanding and confidence. In less than fifteen minutes (the typical duration) the procedure was over, and she was able to take away a CD of the full scan imaging procedure providing detailed diagnostic information that her doctor’s predecessors could only have dreamt of scarcely thirty years earlier. Some knowledge on the subject then may be enlightening to those about to undertake an MRI now or in the future.
What is an MRI? An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a technique used in radiology to provide enhanced understanding and visualisation of the internal structure and function of a patients body. It has far greater contrast to CT (Computer Tomography) making it especially useful for imaging Oncological conditions. It does not use ionising radiation but instead utilises an extremely powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetisation of hydrogen atoms found in water within the Human body.
Radio Frequency waves are then used to systematically alter the alignment of the magnetisation fields, causing the hydrogen atoms to produce a rotating or resonating magnetic field which is detectable by the scanner. This signal can be controlled in turn by other magnetic fields allowing an image to be built of specific and precise parts of the patient’s body.
The technology is as recent as 1973 when the first image was produced, the first human images being later published in 1977. Originally termed as NMRI (Nuclear Magenetic Resonance Imaging) it is now termed MRI due to poor public receptiveness to the term Nuclear as being allied to percieved possible harmful effects of exposure to Nuclear Ionising Radiation and therefore being a discouragment to patients.
Those interested in pursuing medical job opportunities for radiological medical professionals in Ireland may wish to consider Irish recruitment agencies such as Jackie Brown Medical. This particular specialist medical recruitment agency also sources medical jobs for sonographers who work in the field of sonography or ultrasound and have found themselves in great demand from clients seeking both radiologists and sonographers.
Tomorrow we look at ultrasound technology and its applications in the field of medical scientific research
