MRIs Provide Safe, Comfortable, Accurate Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to construct pictures of the body depicting details that can’t be seen using other imaging techniques. It is one of the safest imaging techniques available because it uses magnetic signals to see through the body instead of exposing the patient to radiation. In addition to safety, MRIs offer a number of other significant patient benefits including:

• Early detection of many conditions
• Excellent information from detailed images
• No known harmful side effects
• Non-invasive procedure

How do MRI scanners work?
MRI scanners produce highly detailed images of your body without using ionizing radiation. The large magnet in the MRI system allows the atoms in your body to receive radio signals that are produced by another component of the system. The radio signals returned by your body are processed by a computer into finely detailed images. MRI images can aid your physician in making a rapid, accurate diagnosis. In certain cases, it reduces the need for surgery or other diagnostic procedures.

What is the MRI Exam and how long will it take?
You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable, padded table. If you wish, a family member or friend may be able to sit close by you in the scan room. While in the gantry, the machine will produce a knocking sound. The exam should take approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The technologist will be able to observe you throughout the exam. If you need anything, you will be able to communicate with the technologist at all times by intercom. An MRI is a simple, painless, non-invasive procedure that takes less than 60 minutes

Our high-field MRI equipment is surprisingly comfortable for most people.  Our team members’ compassion and understanding help maximize patient comfort during an MRI exam.  We offer a wide variety of comfort services designed specifically to lessen anxiety patients often experience when getting an MRI or imaging exam. These services include: headphones with your choice of music, soothing nature-themed surroundings and colors and a personable staff technologist who will be in constant contact with you throughout your exam.

What should I do to prepare?

Usually, there are no special preparations or dietary instructions prior to your MRI exam. You should:

• Continue medications prescribed by your doctor unless informed otherwise
• Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your exam
• You will be asked to leave valuables outside the scan room
• Notify us or your physician if you are or may be pregnant

You can continue taking any medication before and after the exam. Of course, we advise you to ask your doctor to be sure.

While MRI technology is completely safe, we do take some precautions. It is very important for us to know about any magnetic metal that may have been placed in your body during a previous medical treatment, because the strong magnetic field in the MRI scanner may interfere with their performance.

We need to know about such things as:

• Pacemaker
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Inner ear implant
• Metal fragments in your eyes
• Implanted spinal cord stimulator or drug infusion device

If these items are present, you may be referred to another diagnostic procedure.

Dental metal in bridge work and implanted teeth are not a problem.

If you are a woman of child bearing age, be sure to tell us if you are, or may be, pregnant. Your pregnancy will be considered carefully in consultation with your physician before you receive an MRI exam.

What time do I arrive?
We will call to confirm your appointment one day prior to your exam. Please allow at least one hour for your visit and be prepared to change into an examination gown after removing any clothing with metal objects such as snaps and hooks. Your clothing and personal items will be locked securely during your exam.

Following about 30 minutes of preparation, your MRI exam can take up to one hour. In cases involving multiple images, more time may be needed.

What is the contrast material, how is it administered, and is it harmful or dangerous at all?
In some cases, when needed, contrast material may be indicated to enhance the images and to provide more information about your condition. Since your exam may require contrast, please inform your physician or the MRI technologist if you:

• Are pregnant, may be pregnant, or breast feeding
• Previously had an adverse reaction to MRI contrast media
• Have asthma
• Have any renal disease, diabetes, and hypertension (We will need to know your renal function with any of these conditions with a sample of blood before the procedure)

How quickly are the exam results available?
After your study is over, the images will be evaluated by our board certified radiologist who has expertise in MRI imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor who can then discuss the results with you in detail.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through this process.  Please call us with any questions or concerns:  818-933-2580