Information for MRI studies volunteers

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic technique, which means there is no risk to those who wish to realize it. MRI is a safe technique because it uses no harmful radiation and is therefore often used in clinical diagnosis.

MRI scanners use powerful magnetic fields. Inside the scanner our body also magnetize and can be viewed using radio waves.

There are several MR techniques:

• MR imaging – generate images whith the intenal body structure.

• Functional MRI images - give information on the activity of brain.

• MR spectroscopy - measures the amount of certain molecules in our body, such as water, fat and other molecules important in metabolic processes.

If you want to see MRI images click here.

Who will be with me during the MRI?

During the realization of the MRI exam will be attending the radiology technician and a researcher of the study for which they volunteered.

What clothes should I bring?

You can take any clothing provided it does not contain moving metal parts (can use jeans). If your clothing contains any metal part that can be considered a risk, will be given a gown to use during resonance.

Before entering the scanner will have to remove all metal jewelry (watches, earrings, piercings, rings, etc.). In our facilities are at your disposal dressing rooms to change clothes and store your personal belongings. You should also leave in this place coins, wallet, cellphone and all metal objects that you bring with you.

Please avoid bringing makeup, since some components of certain cosmetic products contain metal particles.

How can I volunteer?

By participating in our studies will help us in several research projects that without their participation would not be possible.

What happens when I'm on the scanner?

When entering the scanner room, MRI technicians will position it on the scanner bed and give you the necessary equipment to conduct the experiment (eg, response buttons). When you are ready, you will enter into the scanner. The scanner is open at both ends and while inside we see you, hear you and talk to you through an intercom system, and you can also talk to us. During the scan you will hear a rhythmic sound that corresponds to the image acquisition. To minimize the noise produced by the machine will have a headset where you can listen to music of your choice or watch a movie. The scan time varies from 30 to 60 minutes.

Comfort Information

During image acquisition the scanner can be noisy.
To listen the sounds associated to the acquisition of anatomical image click this e link: anatomical.mp3.
To listen the sounds associated to the acquisition of a functional image click this e link:  functional.mp3.
During anatomical acquisitions participants can hear music of their preference.

Safety Information

Because the scanner uses a strong magnet can not do an MRI if you have any of the following items:

• Cardiac pacemaker

• Certain artificial heart valves and stents

• Brain Clips

• Intrauterine device

• Wires attached to the heart

• Metal fragments in the eye or brain

• Some cochlear implants

• Neuro-electrical stimulators

• Pregnant woman

• Owning some other type of implant

If you come to one MRI exam you will have to fill in a form of security to make sure that it has no deterrent for the examination.