Pre-Exam Procedures

• Wear comfortable clothing containing no metal zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles, metallic paint, etc. Jewelry should not be worn.
• Bring previous films with you if x-rays or other diagnostic studies were performed at another facility. Our radiologist will compare them to the current MRI study.
• You may eat or drink before the exam and continue taking any prescribed medications.

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnets and computerized machinery to produce images of the internal organs of the body. No ionizing radiation is used and there are no known harmful side effects. The risk to an unborn fetus, however, is unknown, so it is important to inform your technologist if you think you might be pregnant. Since MRI technology operates with magnets to produce images, the procedure cannot be performed if the patient has metal in his or her body.

If you have any of the following devices or conditions, the exam cannot be performed:

- cerebral aneurysm clips

- cochlear (ear) implants

- pacemaker

- specific types of heart valves

- metal filings in the eye(s)
 

What should I expect when I arrive?

When you arrive we will take a review of your history and any past exams. You will be asked questions about your medical/surgical history and the type of work you perform to determine whether you may have metal in your body.

After determining that the exam is safe to perform, a technologist will simply ask you to lie down on a cushioned table that will automatically moved into the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned for scanning. The technologist will be in constant contact with you throughout the entire exam. When the MR scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound that will last for several minutes. You should relax but try and lie as still as possible since any movement during this time will blur the picture.

Other than sound, you should experience no other sensation during scanning. When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to assist you off the table and give you further instructions.

How long will the exam take?

Although actual scan times take approximately 30-45 minutes, please allow an additional thirty minutes for registration, review of medical history, changing/dressing, and image processing.

What happens after the exam?

Your exam will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist with many years of training and professional experience. A report will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours and he or she will contact you with the results. Your physician will review your clinical history in conjunction with exam results to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment plan.

Special Concerns

Patients that are severely claustrophobic may require pre-exam medication. Please alert our staff when scheduling if claustrophobia is a concern.

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