MRI

The Benefits

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the safest and most comfortable diagnostic imaging studies available. It uses a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves and computer software to create images of your organs, soft tissue, bones and body structures.MRIs provide highly details images without X-rays. They are used to diagnose a wide variety of diseases and conditions including tumors, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, joint disorders and more. MRIs are sometimes used in addition to mammography for women who have dense breast tissue or may be at high risk for breast cancer.

About Your Visit
WHAT TO EXPECT

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and change into scrubs if needed.

Our MRI scanners are wide open on both ends, well lit and ventilated. One is even designed to accommodate larger patients.

For the scan, your MRI technologist will put you into position on the MRI table. A device called a coil will be positioned around the area of your body we are scanning. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak to and hear the MRI technologist over an intercom.

The equipment does not touch your body but you will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones, and can talk with you throughout the tests. Some patients also find it comforting to have a cloth or other item covering their eyes, which can help if you are feeling claustrophobic. We have all of these aids available for you. We provide music of your choice/headphones to improve you experience

Depending on your test, you may receive an injection during the MRI after initial images are taken. The injection is a “contrast” dye that helps to differentiate normal from abnormal tissues. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.

The scan takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the purpose of your scan.

Prep & Safety
HOW TO PREPARE

A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of your exam. If you think you may be in too much pain to remain still or you are claustrophobic, please talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of taking pretreatment medications.Please continue taking your prescribed medications.Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home.
If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide our staff with the manufacturer name, model number and device name.

Please alert
your technologist if you

• Have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes or gout.
• Have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
• Have aneurysm clips.
• Have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis, tissue expanders, or implanted neurostimulator.
• Know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around your eye(s).

Connect With Us: (406) 327-3950