Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the organs and tissues within the body. When a patient lies inside the magnetic tube of an MRI machine, the field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in the body, which are read by radio signals to produce cross sectional images of the MRI images. These cross sections can be used to create 3-D images that may be viewed from many different angles.
The MRI scan uses a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves and a computer that processes the images to acquire extremely accurate images of organs, soft tissue, bone and internal body structures. The MRI is one of the safest and most comfortable diagnostic imaging studies available. We have two types of equipment: one with a 1.5T wide-bore magnet and another with a 3T wide-bore magnet. Our team of radiologists, technologists and schedulers are always available to help identify the most appropriate magnet for your study.
There are many reasons to use an MRI scanner to image organs, tissues or skeletal systems. MRIs are used to image everything from the brain and spinal cord, to heart, blood vessels, and all extremities. MRIs are often used to help diagnose aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, heart disease, disorders of the eye and inner ear, tumors or abnormalities of many organs, arthritis and 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.
During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area to change into scrubs 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 will be placed around the area of your body we are scanning. Once you are comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak and hear the MRI technologist over an intercom.
The scan takes from 20-40 minutes depending on the purpose of your scan. There is light and plenty of air within the magnet. You will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. These sounds are normal and will last a few minutes. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones. Some patients also find it comforting to wear prism glasses, or other items to cover your eyes, which can help patients who are feeling claustrophobic. We have all these aids available for you.
Depending on your situation, you may receive an injection during the procedure. The injection is for what we call “contrast” and allows for greater visibility of some parts of the body. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly
A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of your exam. If you are taking any 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. If you are claustrophobic, please alert your referring provider so they can discuss pre-treatment options with you.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide the manufacturer name, model number and device name to the technologist.
- Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home.
- You may listen to music during the scan. If you have specific music preferences, please inform your technologist at the time of your scan. (If you prefer something besides the radio, bring your iPod or a CD.)
Safety Notes
Please alert your technologist if you:
- Have renal disease, a kidney transplant, diabetes.
- Have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
- Have aneurysm clips.
- Have other implantable devices such as a heart valve, middle ear prosthesis or implanted neurostimulator.
- Know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around the eye.
Prep Forms
A highly specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician within 48 hours. If your exam was ordered “stat” your physician will be notified of the interpretation the same day. Your physician will determine how the radiologists’ report can be used to develop a treatment plan and will speak with you about your results.
Q. What about radiation?
A. There is no radiation exposure associated with an MRI.
Q. I’ve heard that an MRI can be very claustrophobic, especially for larger people. Is that correct?
A. Some patients feel claustrophobic in standard MRI scanners. All of our MRI ‘s are designed to accommodate larger patients and to minimize claustrophobia for people of all sizes.
MRI is conducted on practically every part of the body.
The MRI scan uses a powerful magnet, radio frequency waves and a computer that processes the images to acquire extremely accurate images of organs, soft tissue, bone and internal body structures. The MRI is one of the safest and most comfortable diagnostic imaging studies available. We have two types of equipment: one with a 1.5T wide-bore magnet and another with a 3T wide-bore magnet. Our team of radiologists, technologists and schedulers are always available to help identify the most appropriate magnet for your study.
During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area to change into scrubs 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 will be placed around the area of your body we are scanning. Once you are comfortable, the technologist will move the table into the MRI scanner. You will be able to speak and hear the MRI technologist over an intercom.
The scan takes from 20-40 minutes depending on the purpose of your scan. There is light and plenty of air within the magnet. The equipment does not touch your body but you will hear buzzing and tapping noises from the machine. These sounds are normal and will last a few minutes. We will supply you with ear plugs and/or headphones. Some patients also find it comforting to wear prism glasses, or other items to cover your eyes, which can help patients who are feeling claustrophobic. We have all these aids available for you.
Depending on your situation, you may receive an injection during the procedure. The injection is for what we call “contrast” and allows for greater visibility of some parts of the body. Some patients describe a metallic taste or cool sensation after the injection. This is normal and usually subsides quickly.
Prep & safety: A quality MRI study is dependent on your ability to remain still for the entirety of the exam. If you are taking any 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. If you are claustrophobic, please alert your referring provider so they can discuss pre-treatment options with you.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
- If you have an implanted medical device, be prepared to provide the manufacturer name, model number and device name to the technologist.
- Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. We encourage you to leave all jewelry at home.
- You may listen to music during the scan. If you have specific music preferences, please inform your technologist at the time of your scan. (If you prefer something besides the radio, bring your iPod or a CD.)
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 or implanted neurostimulator.
- Know or suspect that you have metal fragments in or around the eye.
Your results: A highly specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician within 48 hours. If your exam was ordered “stat” your physician will be notified of the interpretation the same day. Your physician will determine how the radiologists’ report can be used to develop a treatment plan and will speak with you about your results.
