What Are Magnetic Scanners?
A magnetic resonance imager, or MRI machine, is a popular type of magnetic scanner. They are commonly used in hospitals throughout the world and have many applications. Magnetic resonance imagers use very powerful magnets and radio waves to render detailed images of the inside of a person's body.
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Uses
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There are several applications for magnetic resonance imaging machines. Scans provided by an MRI machine can be used to help monitor and diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions. They are safe to use and suitable to scan any part of the body including bones, the brain and other soft tissues like ligaments, muscles and blood vessels.
Benefits
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MRI machines can be used to detect joint, gynecological, spinal, ligament or tendon problems. They can also be used to measure a persons blood flow through blood vessels. MRI machines are also often used to diagnose and treat cancer and breast disease. Assessments of the heart's function and brain function after a person experiences a stroke can be made with MRI machines.
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Warnings
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Magnetic resonance imaging cannot be employed in some people because the magnetic scan can affect some metals. People with certain medical device implants such as pacemakers, heart defibrillators, insulin pumps, hearing aids, neurotransmitters or joint replacements should not receive MRI scans because of the risk of negative reactions.
Facts
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An MRI scan can take anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes to complete depending on what the examination involves. It is important that the patient undergoing an MRI scan be perfectly still to achieve an accurate reading. Some adults and young children may receive a sedative before the procedure.
Side Effects
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Some people may experience side effects from an MRI procedure. A feeling of claustrophobia may may be experienced because an MRI machine features rather tight quarters. Radio waves produced by an MRI scan are known to heat metals and tissue, a person's overall body temperature may increase because of this. If a person has fillings in their teeth, they may experience tingling in their mouth during the scan.
Other Applications
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Another application for magnetic scanners is in credit card reading machines. This type of magnetic scanner reads and decodes information on the black magnetic strip located on the backs of credit cards.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of liz west
