If you've been having abdominal pain or if your blood work has some abnormal results, your doctor may want you to undergo an abdominal MRI. This imaging test helps your doctor visualize the organs and vessels in your abdomen so he or she can diagnose what's causing your medical problem. You've probably seen pictures of an MRI machine, but if you've never had one of these tests before, you may be worried about what to expect. Here's how an MRI is done and what kind of information it provides your doctor.

What An MRI Test Entails

An MRI machine is a long tube that's surrounded by a huge magnet. When you take the test, you slide into the tube so you are engulfed in a strong magnetic field. The machine constantly cycles on and off, so the magnetic field around your body constantly changes. The molecules of your body respond to the changing magnetic field in such a way that the MRI machine can create digital images of the organs, vessels, and bones in your body. The images are often more detailed and informative than images produced by an x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.

A test could take well over an hour depending on the type of test your doctor orders. Some MRI scans are done with the aid of contrast dye that you receive through an IV. The contrast improves the quality of images especially in organs that have excess fluid in them. An MRI with contrast will take longer than one without. You'll hear constant thumping, chirping, and thudding as the magnetic field shuts on and off during the test. You might be given headphones or earplugs to help drown out the noise.

How It Feels To Undergo An MRI

An MRI test is painless. The only discomfort you'll feel comes from being on the hard table for several minutes. However, if you have problems with claustrophobia, you should let your doctor know before the test. You might be given a sedative to help you relax and to keep you from moving. When the test starts, you'll be pulled into the tube so your abdomen is in the middle of the machine. Then you'll need to stay completely still for the duration of the test so the pictures will be as clear as possible.

You'll probably remove your clothing and jewelry and put on a hospital gown for the test. An MRI is not difficult to endure and if you are given headphones to cover the thudding noises, you might be able to relax and listen to music the entire time. Although you'll be alone in the room, you'll be able to talk to the technicians in the other room through an intercom.

What An MRI Tells Your Doctor

The information derived from an MRI tells your doctor a lot about the health of your internal organs. He or she will be able to identify enlarged organs, areas of infection, blockages, tumors, and inflammation. An MRI can be used to detect cancer as well as metastasis. It will also show internal bleeding and blocked abdominal arteries as well as aneurysms. Although an MRI may be boring and tedious since you can't move for several minutes, it is a very useful diagnostic tool that helps your doctor find medical problems so you can begin effective treatments right away. Contact a clinic, like DirectImaging , for more help.