Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way of looking at the inside of the body. An MRI machine is a large magnet that goes around the body. It uses magnetic fields and radio signals to make pictures. Your child will not be exposed to radiation during an MRI.

Day of the MRI

• Your child can bring a favorite toy or blanket to have during the test. Toys cannot have metal in or on it. Metal can affect the test.
• Clothing – Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to remove. For safety, they will change out of their clothes and into hospital gowns or pants. Anything with metal in or on it, like hairpins, watches, jewelry, and piercings, must be removed. Tell the person doing the test (technologist) if your child has tattoos or uses a medicine patch.
• Medicines – On the day of the MRI scan, do not give your child medicine to calm them down or make them sleepy. If you have questions, call (614) 722-2624.
• Prescription medicines – Give your child their usual prescription medicines.
• If your child uses a medicine patch, remove the patch before the test. Put the sticky sides together and flush it down the toilet. If there is any gel on the skin, wipe it off before going into the MRI. After the test, put a new patch on your child.

How the Test Is Done

If your child is not having anesthesia, one parent may stay with them during the MRI. A technologist or nurse will take you and your child from the waiting room to the MRI area.

For the safety of you and your child:

• Remove all metal and jewelry before entering the MRI area. You will have a locker to put your things in.
• You and your child will go through a metal detector before entering the MRI room.
• Your child will lie on the MRI table. It will move so their body is inside the opening of the machine (Picture 1). If your child is not having anesthesia, they must hold very still during the test. If they move too much, the test may take longer or may be rescheduled. If your child cannot stay still, the MRI may be rescheduled with anesthesia on a different day, or your doctor may find a different test they can stay still for.
• Your child will wear earplugs or a set of headphones during the test. The test sounds like a loud tapping or hammering. The technologist will tell you if your child can watch a movie or listen to music during their test.
• Your child may need contrast solution during the test so the doctor or health care provider can get more information. If so, a needle will be put in their vein (IV) for the contrast solution to go through.
• The technologist will be outside the room during the test but will be able to see and hear your child. Your child’s MRI may take 20 to 90 minutes.

After the Test

• If an IV was placed, it will be removed.
• MRI results will be sent to your child’s doctor or health care provider. They will explain the results to you.

If you have any questions, ask your child’s doctor, nurse, or technologist, or call (614) 722-6200.

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