What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a non-invasive method that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio frequency to image and evaluate the body. This modality is free of harmful ionizing radiation, but can be loud and lengthy. There are some steps needed to prepare for an MRI.

What to expect:

After arriving at the imaging facility, the scanner operator will greet you and have you complete a Purdue MRI safety screening form to ensure that you can safely participate in the experiment. You will then change out of your clothes/shoes and into facility-provided scrubs. You will be reminded about specific safety measures, especially with regard to metallic objects, and then enter the scan room. You will then be positioned comfortably on the bed and enter the scanner bore (cylinder). The scanner operator will be able to see you during the entire experiment through the window in the control room, and you will be in constant communication with the scanner operator using a squeezeball/intercom system. Once in the scanner, you will be asked to lie still for the duration of the experiment, and you may be asked to perform a task. If you feel any discomfort during the experiment you should let the scanner operator know using the squeezeball/intercom system. The scanner operator should be able to answer any question that you may have about MRI or the experiment before or after the experiment. Note that any scan performed at the Purdue Life Science MRI facility is for research purposes only and does not allow for the detection or diagnoses of any structural or functional anatomy or anomaly. Below is a video demonstrating the MRI procedural steps.