MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI utilizes a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed cross sectional images of the body. Since MRI operates on the principle of a magnetic field and radio waves, there is no radiation involved.

For more information about this and all radiology specialties, including information about radiation safety and concerns, please visit this website RadiologyInfo.org.

The patient will experience loud thumping or knocking noises throughout the exam. Earplugs or headphones will be provided to help block the noise. If you choose to listen to music, this will be piped in through the earplugs, which will also help with the sound. The technologist can hear you throughout the test, and will be talking to you through an intercom system. Exam times vary, depending on the type of exam ordered by your physician. Due to its new technology, our MRI offers the fastest scan times available. While in the machine, the patient must remain completely still.

The only test requiring a prep in MRI, is an MRCP. This particular test looks at the ducts leading to the gallbladder and pancreas. NPO, or nothing to eat or drink after midnight, is required for this test. Patients may eat or drink for all other tests in MRI, even those with IV contrast.

For all MRI’s Please wear comfortable clothing, with no metal buttons, snaps or metallic accents. Jewelry will have to be removed, as well as any hair accessories with metal before MRI exam. Hearing aids will also need to be removed.

For the patient’s safety and convenience there is a private dressing room with a locker to securely store all valuables until the end of your exam.

Please make the MRI technologist aware of the following:

• Pacemakers, defibrillators, artificial heart valves
• If you have an implanted heart valve, please bring your Implant card with you for safety clearance.
• Cochlear implant (surgical implants for hearing)
• Pain pumps, spinal stimulators
• Bullets, shrapnel, metal shavings near or behind eyes

• Saturday appointments available.
• Precise reproducible patient positioning which limits the need for rescans.
• Faster scans for more than 90% of the exams using standardized, reproducible procedures producing more detail and higher signal.
• Greater comfort for patients with unique patient- centered coil technology.
• Better image quality and faster scans with high channel orthopedic coils.
• Quieter exam using noise reduction features for better patient compliance and higher quality images.
• Larger bore accommodates claustrophobic, as well as larger patients.
• Shorter breath hold (when needed).