3T MRI Scan - Whole Spine Test

The 3T MRI scan machines have double strength than the usual 1.5T MRI scanners. Since these machines have the double the power they capable of generating high precision images in a faster time. These detailed images are examined on a computer monitor which can then be transferred electronically or copied on a CD or stored on cloud server. This helps the physicians to evaluate the condition of the scanned body part and detect any abnormality or disease effectively. The 3T MRI scanning is highly effective for examining the spinal cord and brain for exactly the precision and highest quality images it provides.

It is a non-invasive procedure, and patients are supposed to wear loose comfortable clothes or they may be made to wear a gown. They should remove any jewellery, metallic items, dental fixtures or body piercings as these things can distort the image. It is essential for patients with conditions of kidney or liver to notify the physician before getting a test. Also it is advisable for pregnant women to not undertake this test because it exposes the unborn foetus to strong magnetic field.

Helps in assessing spinal alignment and structure. Detecting abnormalities in the vertebral column Detecting injury after spinal cord trauma Exploring causes of back pain and discomfort Assessing compression in Spinal cord and nerves Assess and evaluate infection and tumours affecting the spinal cord and the vertebral column Planning surgical procedures on the spinal cord.

The patient is positioned on the movable table and strapped to help them stay still’ Depending upon the position of symptom that part of the Spine will be imaged. Sometimes a contrast dye is injected intravenously to look out for infections or tumours.

An IV line will be inserted into a vein in the arm and the contrast material will drip along with the saline solution, until it is injected completely. The radiologist will be looking at the images on the computer outside the chamber where the test is going on. The procedure can last for up to a couple of hours depending upon the length of spine scanned.