Occult incorporated ferromagnetic foreign bodies are dangerous, in particular those close to the eyes. The patient's history may help because many patients do not remember such accidents. In case of doubt, X-rays should be taken prior to MR imaging.

Implants that involve magnets such as magnetic sphincters, stoma plugs, dental implants, etc., can be demagnetized by the MRI device. They should be removed prior to the examination.

A particular danger is presented by small metallic surgical implants. Haemostatic or other clips in the CNS can move in their position. Dislocation by magnetic attraction or torque presents a risk in MRI examinations. There is a minimal risk in other parts of the body, because after the healing phase of six to eight weeks, fibrosis and encasement of the clip help to keep it in a stable position.
The label stainless steel is not a guarantee for non-ferromagnetic steel.

See also Cardiac Pacemaker and MRI Safety.

The MRI device is located within a specially shielded room (Faraday cage) to avoid outside interference, caused by the use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations.
The MRI procedure can easily be performed through clothing and bones, but attention must be paid to ferromagnetic items, because they will be attracted from the magnetic field. A hospital gown is appropriate, or the patient should wear clothing without metal fasteners and remove any metallic objects like hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, clocks, hearing aids, any removable dental work, lighters, coins etc., not only for MRI safety reasons. Metal in or around the scanned area can also cause errors in the reconstructed images (artifacts). Because the strong magnetic field can displace, or disrupt metallic objects, people with an implanted active device like a cardiac pacemaker cannot be scanned under normal circumstances and should not enter the MRI area.
The MRI machine can look like a short tunnel or has an open MRI design and the magnet does not completely surround the patient. Usually the patient lies on a comfortable motorized table, which slides into the scanner, depending on the MRI device, patients may be also able to sit up. If a contrast agent is to be administered, intravenous access will be placed. A technologist will operate the MRI machine and observe the patient during the examination from an adjacent room. Several sets of images are usually required, each taking some minutes. A typical MRI scan includes three to nine imaging sequences and may take up to one hour. Improved MRI devices with powerful magnets, newer software, and advanced sequences may complete the process in less time and better image quality.
Before and after the most MRI procedures no special preparation, diet, reduced activity, and extra medication is necessary. The magnetic field and radio waves are not felt and no pain is to expect.
Movement can blur MRI images and cause certain artifacts. A possible problem is the claustrophobia that some patients experience from being inside a tunnel-like scanner. If someone is very anxious or has difficulty to lie still, a sedative agent may be given. Earplugs and/or headphones are usually given to the patient to reduce the loud acoustic noise, which the machine produces during normal operation. A technologist observes the patient during the test. Some MRI scanners are equipped with televisions and music to help the examination time pass.
MRI is not a cheap examination, however cost effective by eliminating the need for invasive radiographic procedures, biopsies, and exploratory surgery. MRI scans can also save money while minimizing patient risk and discomfort. For example, MRI can reduce the need for X-ray angiography and myelography, and can eliminate unnecessary diagnostic procedures that miss occult disease.

See also Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI, Medical Imaging, Cervical Spine MRI, Claustrophobia, MRI Risks and Pregnancy.
For Ultrasound Imaging (USI) see Ultrasound Imaging Procedures at Medical-Ultrasound-Imaging.com.

See also the related poll result: 'MRI will have replaced 50% of x-ray exams by'

A magnet is by definition an object with magnetic properties (magnetism) that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field. It can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
Permanent magnets do not rely upon outside influences to generate their field. In permanent magnets are the atoms and molecules ordered in long range. The specific electron configuration and the distance of the atoms is what lead to this long range ordering. The electrons exist in a lower energy state if they all have the same orientation. Magnetic domains can be likened to microscopic neighborhoods in which there is a strong reinforcing interaction between particles, resulting in a high degree of order. The greater the degree of ordering within and between domains, the greater the resulting field will be. Long range ordering is one of the hallmarks of a ferromagnetic material.
A current carrying conductor for example a piece of wire, produces a magnetic field that encircles the wire. An electromagnet, in its simplest form, is a wire that has been coiled into one or more loops. This coil is known as a solenoid. The more loops of wire and the greater the current, the stronger the field will be.
Superconducting magnets are a special type of electromagnets, often used in MRI machines with high field strength.

(c) Magnetic susceptibility is the degree of magnetization of a material in response to a magnetic field. Paramagnetic materials strengthen the magnetic field, diamagnetic materials weaken it. The magnetic susceptibility of ferromagnetic substances is not linear; this is called differential susceptibility.
Differences in magnetic susceptibilities are a frequent cause of MRI artifacts.

See also Susceptibility Artifact, Magnetism, Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism, Ferromagnetism.