MRI Scan: Know the procedure
MRI scans are no longer a rarity. Large hospitals in Chennai are equipped with their own MRI scanners. Reputed diagnostic centres have upgraded versions of the latest scanner in the market. Recommended and trusted by the medical fraternity, MRI scans play an imperative role in the accurate diagnosis of symptoms and signs that are otherwise hard to pinpoint with other diagnostic tests.
The procedure is a simple one, and there’s not much the individual needs to do. The person is asked to lie on a movable bed that will slide inside the MRI scanner. During the process, the patient will be asked to keep perfectly still. This is mainly to ensure that the scanner takes clear images. The time for the completion of the procedure differs with the type of machine used and the nature of the scan recommended by your doctor.
The MRI scan cost in Chennai and other big cities in India is largely driven by the maintenance costs, physician’s fees, and additional miscellaneous costs. Hence, the cost is bound to vary. An open MRI scan in Chennai can cost approximately a minimum of Rs. 3000.
Pointers to consider before getting an MRI scan
Always choose a reputed diagnostic centre for an MRI scan. If the radiologist and the lab technicians lack experience and training, you could end up with the wrong diagnosis. Ask around, get online opinions and reviews or check out the centre’s official website to get a better picture.
Wear loose clothing and avoid wearing any kind of jewellery. As a mandatory protocol, you will be asked to remove any kind of jewellery or metallic clothing accessories. Mobile phones and watches are also off-limits.
If you are wearing a pacemaker or any other metallic implant inside your body, you will not be allowed to get an MRI scan. These medical devices can interfere with the magnet of the machine and cause technical glitches.
Claustrophobic individuals can opt for an open MRI to avoid the tubular structure of a closed MRI. But remember that the images of a closed MRI scan are far better in quality, thus increasing your chances of an accurate diagnosis.
The magnetic strength of an MRI scanner is measured in Tesla that is denoted by T. Check if your diagnostic centre has a 1.5T scanner or above. Getting a scan with a poor-quality MRI is a waste of money because it may miss crucial little details of life-threatening lesions or lumps.
One crucial factor to note for an MRI scan
The most important thing to do before an MRI is to inform your doctor about implanted medical devices, drug patches, tattoos and any other serious medical conditions. Sometimes, the doctor will recommend the use of contrast agents to get clearer images. The agent will be administered through an intravenous injection just before the MRI commences. You must notify your doctor if you feel any pain or discomfort. To ensure that the entire process is done in a professional manner, always choose a reputed MRI scan centre in Chennai.
Read More : What To Expect For A Mammogram Test Cost In Chennai
