Read below for some of our frequently asked questions.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI scanner allows physicians to look inside the body without using surgery, harmful dyes, or X-rays. The MRI scanner uses magnets, radio waves, and computers to produce very clear pictures, or images, of the human anatomy. MRI images are formed when signals, emitted by body tissue, are processed by software, and turned into clinical images. These signals are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this process and then scanned in to different contrast levels on the image.
An MRI can be dangerous, even fatal. If you have a cardiac pacemaker, you should not have an MRI. It can be fatal. There may be certain parts in the pacemaker that may be adversely affected by the magnetic field of the MRI scanner, causing the apparatus to malfunction or cease operating.
Other Potential Dangers:
Aneurysm clips in the brain. Some aneurysm clips are MRI safe; some are not. You must check with the surgeon who installed the clip to be sure the manufacturer has tested it and found it to be MRI safe.
Our scanner is an open MRI. There are no tunnels, no tubes. It’s quiet, comfortable, and non-claustrophobic.
Unlike many other MRI scanners, ours are quiet, comfortable, and non-claustrophobic.
The first step is to be certain that it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. Preparing for an MRI exam is easy. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may take your medications as usual. There are no food or drink restrictions.
The only unusual preparation for an MRI scan is that all removable metallic objects must be left outside the scanning room. These include jewelry, keys, watches, coins, eyeglasses, removable hearing aids, dentures, and prosthetic devices. Credit cards should not be brought anywhere near the MRI magnet. Since they are magnetically coded, the MRI’s magnet, which is very powerful, can easily corrupt the information stored on them.
The more still you are during the scan, the better the MRI image will come out. Moving causes blurring in the picture. If you move too much, the pictures will be too blurry for the radiologist to see what he needs to see, and you will have to redo the MRI exam.
That depends on what part of the body is to be scanned and whether or not your doctor has ordered any special or extra scans. Normally, the entire exam takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
There are no food or drink restrictions.
Yes. Be sure to bring it when you come for your MRI exam or have your doctor fax it to us.
Documents needed
The prescription from your doctor, your insurance card, and your driver’s license
The MRI technologist will ask you questions about your medical history. They will check to see if it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. The receptionist will also ask you to fill out paperwork.
When it comes to how to dress for an MRI exam, the main thing to realize is that metal can degrade or ruin MRI pictures. Therefore, you should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (no dresses or skirts for modesty reasons), but keep in mind that metal must be avoided in or near the region where you are going to be scanned.
Here are some examples: If you are going to have a scan of the lower spine (lumbar spine) or the abdomen area, don’t wear clothing or under-clothing that has metal on it in that area. For example, a body suit that has snaps in the crotch, or pants with fasteners or a zipper will cause a problem. Sweats with no eyelets would be fine. Also, body-pierces jewelry in that region must be removed.
If you are having a scan in the head or neck area, remove all makeup (some makeup has metallic particles in it) and all metallic items such as hair clips, earrings, and facial jewelry, including body-pierced items. Notify the technologist if you have any facial tattoos, such as eyeliner or eyebrow tattoos.
If you are having a scan in the chest area, or upper torso, avoid clothing and under-clothing with metal hooks or fasteners. For example, a sweatshirt with metallic decorations or body-pierced jewelry in that region will cause a problem.
Don’t worry, if you don’t have suitable clothing, we will give you a gown or scrubs.
Depending on the type of coil of scan your doctor ordered, the MRI technologist may wrap a special belt around the region of your body that is to be scanned. If you are having a head scan, your head will rest in a special fixture. Once you are comfortably positioned, the technologist will start the scan.
At that point, all you must do is be as still as you can until the MRI exam is over. The reason you must lie still is that movement blurs the MRI images. Depending on what your doctor ordered and the area being scanned, the procedure will take 15 and 45 minutes. The MRI technologist will be able to tell you how long it should take. You won’t feel anything, but you will hear some low-volume, intermittent, rumbling noises throughout the scan. These sounds are normal. Our scanners are very quiet in comparison to “tunnel” MRI scanners.
During your MRI examination, a technologist will be with you and will be able to see you all the time for your convenience. An intercom system is built into the MRI imager so that if you need anything, the technologist will be there. If you like, someone can be with you in the scanner room, provided it is safe for the person to be there. (A visitor is subject to the scanner’s magnetic field too.) So please make sure it is safe for the visitor to be in the scanner room. It is common for a parent to stay with a child. In fact, we encourage it.
In certain situations, it may be necessary to inject a patient with a contrast agent in order for the proper diagnosis to be made. Your referring doctor will make that decision. In our experience, approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients require a contrast agent. For example, MRI exams of regions containing scar tissue from a previous surgical procedure are often best evaluated with the aid of a contrast agent.
The contrast agent is injected intravenously into the arm. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. There are potential side effects. If you require the contrast agent, you will be made fully aware of possible side effects prior to the injection.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant; you must first consult with the physician before you have an MRI scan. You must also inform the staff at the MRI scanning center.
It has not been shown that MRI is harmful to unborn children. However, if you chose to have the MRI, you will be asked to sign a consent form, which must also be signed by your OBGYN.
Yes. Since our MRI scanners are open, there is ample space for someone to accompany you into the scanner room, even hold your hand during the scan.
Warning: the person accompanying the patient will be exposed to the scanner’s magnetic field just as the patient is, so please make sure it is safe for the visitor to be there.
You won’t find out at the time of the scan. The results of your MRI examination will be faxed and/or mailed directly to your doctor, normally within 24 hours. In turn, your doctor will explain the results to you. Technologists are not qualified to interpret MRI examinations, nor are they allowed to, so please do not ask them for their opinions.
Yes. The MRI has no known physiological side effects. However, if you have taken a sedative, there may be some restrictions.
If a patient is unable to get to the scanning center on his/her own, special arrangements can be sometimes be made. If you need transportation, call the scanning center, and request it.
The maximum chest height is 40 inches.