What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the body. MRI has become a very valuable diagnostic tool detecting everything from cancer, heart and vascular disease, strokes, and disorders of the joints and musculoskeletal system. Of equal significance is the ability for physicians to avoid unnecessary surgery and more invasive diagnostic procedures. MRI technology produces extremely detailed images of body tissue, organs and bones without the need for radiation.
Electromagnetic energy is released when exposing a patient to radio waves in a strong magnetic field which is then measured and analyzed by a computer producing two and three-dimensional images. The MRI scanner creates a strong magnetic field through the body, and then it sends radio waves into the body and assesses the response sent back from the different tissues. Under the influence of the magnetic field, different tissues send back different responses to the radio waves. Also, certain diseased or injured tissues send responses that are different from healthy ones. A computer in the scanner processes the different responses, and where they came from, into images of the body. These are displayed as slices, like slices through an orange or a loaf of bread. The images are sent to the radiologist for interpretation.
Preparation for MRI
As part of the preparation for the exam, you will be asked if you have any items that can cause some restrictions when having an MRI. These can be metal implants such as pain pumps, metal clips or coils surgically implanted to control aneurysm bleeding, pacemakers to control your heartbeat, or cochlear implants for your hearing. If you have any of these items, please inform the MR scheduling staff when you make the appointment. When you arrive at the imaging center you will again be asked if you have these implants.
Can I get an MRI if I have a pacemaker?
Most likely, yes!
Radiologists work closely with the local cardiology community to provide much-needed access to MRI exams for patients with most types of pacemakers and implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICD’s). The imaging center will work to research the specifics of your implanted device and verify its MRI eligibility with your cardiologist and device manufacturer prior to your exam. At the time of your MRI, trained staff will need to place your cardiac device into a special MRI mode for your exam, they will then return your device back into its normal mode after your exam is complete. During your MRI your vital signs will be monitored by an ACLS nurse who will be with you in the MRI department the whole time.
We will also need to know if you are pregnant.
Although it is safe to scan patients that are pregnant, it is important that we know so we may inform you of the latest literature.
Exam Time
The length of the exam varies, but most exams can be completed in 30 minutes. If you have multiple exams, each exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Exam Results
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images, and a report will be sent directly to your physician. Reports are available within 24 to 72 hours.
MRI FAQs
The MRI order from your doctor will specify if your exam requires contrast. Contrast is administered via intravenous injection.
MRI contrast, or dye, is used to take a closer look at inflammation, blood vessels, and organs.
An MRI best examines soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, the spinal cord, and the brain. CT exams provide cross-sectional imaging of organs, tumors, sinuses, lungs, the heart, and even blood vessels. X-rays are simple two-dimensional images of structures in the body.
Most health insurance plans require an authorization review in order to ensure that the ordered MRI is the appropriate exam for your health condition.
Most MRI machines are 60 cm wide. Please ask your MRI provider if they have a wide bore on site.
Please speak to your MRI provider about their rates.
MRI contrast is called MR-Gadolinium. This is not the same contrast used in CT (Barium sulfate).
Yes. We will provide you with ear plugs or MRI-compatible headphones which we can connect to your smart-phone.
The MRI is a powerful magnet which will attract all metal objects. This imposes a safety risk with even the smallest piece of metal in the room. Underwire bras that contain metal are not permitted.
MRI does not involve any radiation.
For safety reasons, we cannot allow any additional people into the MRI exam room.
We will provide imaging as ordered by your physician.