From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

MRI—magnetic resonance imaging—is a non-invasive imaging system of the body that can show tissue injury, bone damage, inflammation, and fluid accumulation. With powerful magnets and radio waves, MRI scans provide useful diagnostic information for a host of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Doctors and patients rely heavily on the findings from MRI scans to diagnose ailments, however, the quality of MRI scanners is erratic, and can vary from machine to machine. The strength of the magnets in the machine can differ, as well as the quality of the imaging coils placed around the body part being scanned. Additionally there is the possibility for human error when a radiologist reads the scan. One way patients can protect themselves against imprecise MRI results is to only go to radiology centers that are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Unfortunately, accredited centers still often use outdated machines.  Patients can also inquire about the credentials of the radiologists on staff—look for centers that have specialized radiologists for the body part you are having scanned. Academic medical centers are generally touted as the best place to go for imaging, as they tend to have the most specialists on staff and the most current machines. Lastly, patients and doctors should not rely solely on imaging results for a diagnosis, a comprehensive exam can often reveal what is ailing a patient as well as an imaging machine can. 

Read the full text of the article