MRI
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging tool that uses a magnetic field to generate radio waves that create highly detailed images of the areas of your body that are being examined.
Our MRI machine is different than most whereas most MRI systems are long, tube-shaped magnets, ours is shaped more like a C and will give a patient more space along the sides of your body that creates a more open and less confining feeling. When you lie in an MRI machine, the magnetic field inside works with radio waves and hydrogen atoms in your body to create cross-sectional images — like slices in a loaf of bread which will allow a radiologist to see potential problems inside of your body.
MRI Contraindication
Because an MRI machine use powerful magnets to create images it is very important to let the facility know ahead of time if you have any implanted metal, electronic devices, or anything foreign that may be inside your body as some of these implanted items may require further information prior to an MRI or even possibly prevent you from having an MRI performed. If you do any grinding or welding an X-ray of your eyes may be required to verify there is no foreign body in them. Please inform us prior to your appointment as to not delay your exam. The following are a list of things that you need to notify us of prior to having an MRI:
- Artificial heart valves.
- An implantable heart defibrillator.
- Implanted drug infusion pumps.
- Implanted nerve stimulators.
- A pacemaker.
- Metal clips.
- Metal pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples.
- Cochlear implants.
- A bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment.
- Intrauterine device
If you have tattoos or permanent makeup that have been recently placed please let the MRI technologist know as that can cause potential issues as well as some of the iron based dyes.
Before you schedule an MRI, tell your doctor if you think you’re pregnant. The effects of magnetic fields on an unborn baby aren’t well understood. An alternative exam may be recommended, or the MRI may be postponed. Also tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding, especially if you’re to receive contrast material during the procedure.
It’s also important to discuss kidney problems with your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs might limit the use of injected contrast agents during your MRI scan and even require some lab testing prior to an MRI.
How to prepare for my MRI
When you arrive for an MRI you will fill out some paperwork and that paperwork will be reviewed with an MRI technologist. At that point you will be escorted to a patient changing room and be given a gown to change into as well as removing any jewelry or metal on your body so it is best to have that removed before arriving for an MRI if possible. The gown is provided due to a lot of clothing contains metallic fibers that could potentially cause burning during an MRI exam.
What to expect during my MRI
An MRI exam can take 30-60 minutes to do per exam so it is important to be as comfortable as possible. If IV contrast is needed an IV will be started prior to starting your exam. The technologist will get some history from you and explain the exam thoroughly before starting. Your job will be to lay still and listen to music. When finished you may return to normal activities.
After my MRI
The MRI images are sent to a radiologist to be read and the results are generally available within 24-48 business hours and those results will be faxed to your ordering physician. The images can be sent via secure e-mail server to your physician and or yourself if needed.
