Monday 4 January 2016

Teresa Susmaras - Logistics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Allergies to medicines need to be revealed to a Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologist before MRI testing, as testing material which may be used to illuminate more clearly the body interior may contain elements which trigger the individual allergy. One should also reveal any health conditions, like diabetes, anemia or kidney issues, artery stent, pacemaker or defibrillator could interfere with MRI testing. Teresa Susmaras would encourage patients to reveal pregnancy, or metal implants in the body, or devices such as an artery stent, pacemaker or defibrillator. MRI testing may be limited or not possible in these cases. Any use of interior and exterior medicines needs to be revealed. Teresa Susmaras and the team at Suffolk University used brain imaging technology in her dissertation research.

A radiologist interprets the pictures generated by the MRI test, which is performed with the subject lying on his or her back on a table, which is part of the scanning technology. The head, chest and arms are held by straps to ensure complete immobility. The table will slide into the magnet space, while a device may be placed over or wrapped around the area to be imaged. A belt strap may be used to take readings on the subject’s breathing or heartbeat, enabling the scanner to take the picture at the correct time. The subject may be permitted to listen to music on headphones to distract from the noise of the scanner, and may be asked to hold his or her breath occasionally for an accurate image. Should contrast be needed for accurate images, it may be introduced to the subject’s body through an IV. Teresa Susmaras was present at majority of the scans of sectioned brain tissue in her research.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri?page=