MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

​

• What is MRI?

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequencies to generate images of the body part that may not be visible with other diagnostic imaging methods such as CT Scan or X-ray.  which unlike MRI use radiation to produce the diagnostic images. 

​

• ​Are there any restrictions for having an MRI exam? 

  • Due to the presence of a strong magnetic field and radio frequencies, some implanted medical devices and other objects inside or outside of the body may create a health hazard for the patient with potentially serious consequences. However, thanks to technological advancements in medical device manufacturing, newer generation medical devices designated as MRI-Conditional allow the patient to be scanned safely, provided that certain conditions are met.  ​Therefore, it is very important, that you notify us when scheduling your appointment if you have the following devices/objects or conditions, in order to determine if it is safe for you to have the MRI procedure;

    • Heart pacemaker or defibrillator

    • Aneurysm clip(s) implants

    • Intrauterine device (IUD)

    • Metal plates, pins, screws, or surgical staples

    • Tattoos and permanent make-up done within the last 15 days

    • Bullet or shrapnel in your body

    • If ever worked as a sheet metal worker or a welder

    • If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant

  • Prior to your exam, the technologist will complete an MRI Questionnaire with you to ensure that you can be safely scanned.​

​

• How to prepare for an MRI exam?

  • Before your MRI exam, you will be asked to remove all accessories including hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wigs, dentures. bra with underwire, etc. because these metal objects may interfere with the magnetic field, affecting the quality of the MRI images taken.​

​

• What is expected during the exam?​

  • Depending on the body part being scanned, the exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. 

  • You will lie down on a sliding table and be comfortably positioned.

  • Even though the technologist must leave the room, he/she will be able to see and hear you at all times. You will be able to communicate with them by pressing the call button that will provided to you.

  • If desired, we allow a companion to stay in the room with you during the exam, provided that they also complete the MRI Questionnaire in order to ensure their safety while inside the MRI room.

  • You will hear loud tapping or thumping during the exam. Earplugs will be provided to you by the MRI center.

  • You will be asked remain still during the actual imaging process. Any movement, coughing or swallowing motion during the exam will distort the image quality, rendering the exam useless. However, between sequences, which typically last between 4-8 minutes, slight movement is allowed. Time permitting, the technologist will try to repeat the affected sequences.

​

​

X-Ray

​

• There is no special preparation required for most x-rays. You may be asked to change into a gown before your examination and remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects during the exam.

• Women should always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

​