If individuals undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test early enough, they may be able to catch a brain tumor or heart defect before these conditions have a chance to worsen. In addition to skilled medical workers, those who had an MRI have magnetism to thank for identifying any health problems they might have. If you or a loved one has never undergone an MRI, you may be unfamiliar with this type of imaging, or how magnetism plays a role in the process. Here's what you should know: How MRI works Although MRI is used to look inside the body, people who receive an MRI are not exposed to radiation the way they would during an X-ray. Instead, MRI machines rely on strong magnets, the magnetic fields they produce, and specialized equipment to create accurate pictures of what is going on under the skin, according to the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. What is it like to receive an MRI? If individuals are scheduled to receive an MRI, they will typically be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal, such as zippers, states the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Then, they lie down on a narrow table, which passes through a tunnel-shaped scanner. Different circumstances call for different approaches to MRI tests. For instance, some people may receive an MRI with a small device attached to a part of their body, or have a dye injected through their veins - all in an effort to improve the quality of MRI pictures. Is an MRI safe? When people use neodymium magnets and other strong magnets, they need to be careful to reduce the risk of injury to their skin and bones. As a result, some individuals may be concerned about lying in a scanner where magnetic fields are present. However, they have nothing to worry about. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, MRI scans cause no pain or long-term damage. Approximately 10 million people undergo these procedures every year, so if they were dangerous, doctors would have stopped using the scanners by now. Why do people receive MRI scans? The pictures doctors receive following an MRI scan provide a clear glimpse inside the human body, including healthy and unhealthy tissue. For this reason, MRI procedures are an effective way of examining the abdomen, brain, breasts, heart, joints and other body parts all thanks to magnetism! Get The Latest Magnetic News With Apex We are constantly on the lookout for new magnet discoveries. To be in the know about magnets, magnetic breakthroughs, and industry news (as well as getting some really great discounts), subscribe to our newsletter, or check out our blog.