Physicians often send patients for Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI’s to help them diagnose certain medical conditions, but do you know what an MRI is?
In 1977 the first human scan was performed in a prototype MRI machine. An MRI is a computerized map of harmless radio signals emitted by the human body. MRI works by creating a strong magnetic field where protons in the nucleus of the hydrogen atoms are magnetized. It is excellent for viewing soft tissue and seeing any defects that may be present.
The rotating magnetic field was discovered by Nikola Tesla in 1882. This eventually led to the definition of the Tesla Unit which describes the strength of a magnetic field. MRI machines, which were developed almost a century later, are calibrated in Tesla Units. The stronger the magnetic field, the stronger the amount of radio signals that are given off by the body’s atoms. The stronger the radio signal will lead to a better quality of the MRI image.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art diagnostic and specialty services performed by Board Certified, Fellowship trained, Radiologists, and highly trained licensed and registered Technologists.To schedule an appointment for a MRI test or for more information about the MRI, please call 718-670-8851.
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