Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Key Information About MRI:

• The MRI machine is always on and contains a very powerful magnet. No one is allowed into the MRI suite without first completing a pre-screening safety checklist with an MRI staff member
• Scans can be performed on patients weighing up to 450 lbs. depending on body habitus.
• Before your MRI, contact your doctor to prescribe medication for pain or claustrophobia if needed.
• The technologist will explain the procedure and give you instructions before and during the exam. If you have any concerns with your ability to follow directions, hold your breath, remain still for the duration of the exam, or feel you may be claustrophobic, please inform the technologist.
• Certain devices (pacemakers, metal) can heat up, cause pain or obscure the MRI image. You will need to fill out an MRI safety screening form before your MRI to ensure you do not have any of these devices.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Please remove all jewelry, dentures, clothing with metal, keys, phones, credit cards and watches prior to your MRI. Lockers with pad locks will be provided to secure your valuables and clothing, however it is best to leave valuables at home.
• Glucose monitors, external monitors or pumps must be removed prior to undergoing a MRI
• The MRI machine is noisy; you can expect to feel vibrations from the noise or the table shaking.
• You will be given earplugs to wear during the exam. You will also be offered headphones if you would like to listen to music during your exam.
• For your exam, you will lay on an MRI table that moves into the MRI gantry for the exam. The technologist will place firm pads and coils on or around the body part that is being scanned. MRI exams usually take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. You will be able to speak with a technologist at all times during the exam.
• Results for your exam are generally available for your provider to view same day. Exams are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and a detailed report will be sent to your ordering provider within 24 to 48 hours after your exam.

Be sure to bring a list of current medications to your MRI exam. During your MRI, there will be up to two technologists assisting you. Your comfort is important to us. Please tell your technologist how to best help you to get on and off the table. You will be lying on your back or stomach and you will be positioned in one of three ways:

• Feet First Studies
  (Knees, Upper or Lower Legs, Ankles, Feet)
  

  During feet first exams, your head will be out of or at the opening of the MRI machine. For abdomen exams, you are required to fast with nothing to eat or drink 4 to 6 hours before the exam. Oral contrast is used for abdominal enterography studies to look at the bowel.

• Head First Studies
  (Brain, Cervical/Neck, Chest, Thoracic Spine/Lumbar Spine*/Shoulder/Humerus, Abdomen/Pelvis, Elbows, Wrists and Hands)
  During head first exams, your head will be in the middle, center of the machine.
• Breast Studies
  You will be lying on your stomach for the MRI exam which takes 25 minutes.

*Some body parts can be manipulated to be scanned feet first. This may result in longer scan times.

Some cases require an IV and injection. The contrast injected is used to enhance tissue. It is needed for abscess, infection, cancer and lumbar surgeries. It is possible that you will need lab work before your MRI.