(2) Siemens Symphony 1.5 tesla, high field short bore MRI scanners located at University Center
(1) Philips Panorama High Field Open MRI scanner located at RiverBend Center
(1) Philips Achieva 1.5 tesla high field MRI scanner located at the Breast & MRI Center

A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for up to 45 minutes. If you are taking pain medication, please continue taking it as prescribed. If you feel you may be in too much pain to remain still, please consult your referring physician who may prescribe a pain medication for your study. Patients who are claustrophobic should inform the scheduling department at the time their exam is scheduled.

• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Depending on the type of study you will have, you may be asked not to have anything by mouth for up to 4 hours prior to your exam.
• Patients who have an implanted medical device must provide the manufacturer name, model number and device name to the technologist.
• Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. Patients are encouraged to leave all jewelry at home.
• Patients may listen to music during their study.

For your safety, please notify our scheduling department and technologists:

• If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
• If you have aneurysm clips
• If you have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis or implanted neurostimulator
• If you know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around your eye

During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area and can assist you if necessary. Our changing rooms offer secure lockers, but we encourage patients to leave valuables at home. Once changed, our patient advocate will guide you to the sub-waiting area where you will find a selection of magazines and newspapers. A staff member will notify you when it is time for your MRI Scan and introduce you to the MRI technologist.

The technologist is specially trained and certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists to take care of you during your MRI scan. A device called a coil may be placed around the area of your body we are scanning. Once you are comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI. You will be able to speak to the MRI technologist over an intercom.

MRI scanners make a distinctive knocking and buzzing sound as it acquires images. These sounds are normal and may last a few minutes. Some patients request ear plugs or you may prefer to wear headphones. Some patients also find it comforting to wear goggles or prism glasses, which can help patients who might feel claustrophobic.

Some studies require an IV injected contrast agent called gadolinium to help the radiologist visualize certain tissue or blood vessels. Some patients describe a metallic taste or tingling sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.

• A small percentage of patients with tattooed eyeliner experience temporary skin irritation in association with the MRI.
• A sub-specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician.
• Results are usually made available to your physician in two or three days. If outside comparison studies are required, it may take longer for your results to be made available.
• Your physician will determine how the radiologists' report can be used to develop a treatment plan and speak with you about your results.

This MRI test can examine the heart, lungs, liver, biliary tract, kidney, spleen and pancreas. It can also evaluate pelvic organs including the reproductive organs, such as the prostate, testicles, uterus and ovaries. Sometimes this test may also examine pelvic and hip bones.