What should we pay attention to in lumbar MRI

Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging is actually a method of examining lumbar spine diseases. It can thoroughly understand the condition of the lumbar spine. However, patients who undergo MRI examinations need to pay attention to and understand various taboos. For example, people with pacemakers, insulin pumps, endotracheal intubations, and artificial heart valves are not allowed to undergo MRIs.

1. Examiners and accompanying persons with the following conditions are strictly prohibited from entering the MRI examination room for examination or accompanying examination: pacemakers, insulin pumps, endotracheal intubation, artificial heart valves, intravascular metal stents, aneurysm clips (except non-paramagnetic such as titanium alloys), metal stents after vascular surgery, artificial corneas, metal prostheses, and women in early pregnancy.

2. Patients whose condition is critical and require immediate rescue but who cannot cooperate on their own and cannot remain quiet and still should not be examined to avoid accidents.

3. The following situations should be explained to the technical staff: whether there is any surgical history, whether there is any metal or magnetic material implanted including metal contraceptive ring, whether there are dentures, electronic ears, artificial eyes, etc.; whether there is any history of drug allergy.

4. Children, unconscious patients and other uncooperative patients need to be given sedatives and be accompanied by healthy family members. Critically ill patients should be accompanied by a clinical physician. Agitated and uncooperative patients should be treated by the clinical department before being examined.

5. The examiner and accompanying personnel must remove the following items before entering the examination room: magnetic metal objects such as mobile phones, magnetic cards, keys, watches, coins, hairpins, lighters, dentures, scissors, pins, electronic products, passbooks, necklaces, earrings, rings, etc.; the above items can be stored in the clothing box or handed over to family members for safekeeping. Do not bring in wheelchairs, carts, stretchers, monitors, infusion pumps, oxygen cylinders and other equipment. They could be damaged and cause damage to the MRI equipment, possibly resulting in personal injury.

6. Please arrive at the department at the agreed time on the day of the examination. Before coming to the hospital, please bring previous medical records and imaging examination materials such as X-rays, CT scans, B-ultrasound reports, previous MRI scans, etc., which will help to accurately diagnose and compare the condition.

7. Patients undergoing abdominal examination should not undergo gastrointestinal barium meal examination one week before the examination and should fast for 4 hours before the examination. The patient must fast for 4 hours during the pelvic examination and must keep urine for 2 hours before the examination.