From the Guidelines
MRI does not cause or use radiation, making it a safer option for patients who need multiple imaging studies over time, pregnant women, or children, as there is no cumulative radiation exposure. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's organs and tissues. Unlike X-rays, CT scans, or nuclear medicine tests which do use ionizing radiation, MRI technology works by temporarily aligning hydrogen atoms in the body using magnets, then disrupting this alignment with radio waves. When the radio waves stop, the hydrogen atoms return to their original positions, releasing energy that the MRI machine detects and converts into images. This is supported by studies such as the one published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in 2017, which states that MRI is a reasonable consideration for use in select patients for whom there is a desire to avoid ionizing radiation 1. Additionally, a more recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network in 2021 highlights the benefits of using MRI in high-risk breast cancer screening, including its higher sensitivity and ability to minimize radiation risks associated with mammography 1. However, MRI has other safety considerations, including the powerful magnetic field that can affect metal objects, certain implants, or devices in the body, which is why patients are carefully screened before undergoing this procedure.
Some of the key benefits of MRI include:
- No ionizing radiation exposure
- Higher sensitivity in detecting certain types of tumors, such as breast cancer
- Ability to create detailed images of the body's organs and tissues
- Safer option for patients who need multiple imaging studies over time, pregnant women, or children
It's worth noting that while MRI has several benefits, it may not be suitable for all patients, and other imaging modalities such as mammography or CT scans may be more appropriate in certain situations. However, for patients who require imaging studies and are concerned about radiation exposure, MRI is a viable option that can provide high-quality images without the use of ionizing radiation. As stated in the study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in 2017, MRI may be considered when cross-sectional imaging is deemed necessary in a patient for whom there is a desire to avoid ionizing radiation 1.
From the Research
MRI and Radiation
- MRI does not use ionizing radiation, instead, it uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce images 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The interaction of hydrogen nuclei, a powerful magnetic field, and radio waves allows MRI to derive images without the need for ionizing radiation 3.
- MRI offers detailed diagnostic images without ionizing radiation, making it a safer alternative to other imaging modalities that use radiation 4, 5.
Safety Concerns
- While MRI does not use ionizing radiation, there are safety concerns associated with high electromagnetic field strength, such as the potential for ferrous materials to cause harm 4, 6.
- Patient preparation and screening for ferrous materials are crucial to ensure safe use of MRI 4.
- The use of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in MRI has led to regulations and guidelines to guarantee safety for patients and workers 6.
Benefits of MRI
- MRI provides high-resolution images and can perform non-invasive angiography and biochemical analysis through spectroscopy 3.
- MRI offers superior soft-tissue resolution, ease of multiplanar imaging, and the capability to re-image the same section without ionizing radiation 5.
- The lack of ionizing radiation makes MRI a safer choice for patients, particularly for those who require repeated imaging procedures 2, 3, 4, 5.