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FAQ
- What is a MRI?
- Why does my doctor care what type of MRI unit their patients go to?
- Are there any risk?
- Can anyone have an MRI scan?
- Why is the MRI scanner so noisy?
- Is there any preparation for a MRI?
- What if I am claustrophobic?
- How do I schedule an MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound?
- How long will it take to perform an MRI, CT Scan Ultrasound?
- When will my Doctor get a report? Will I get copies of my scan to take to my Doctor?
- Is MRI superior to other imaging techniques (CT-scan, x-ray, etc.)?
What is a MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a revolutionary diagnostic imaging process that uses a magnet and radiofrequency waves to allow doctors to see inside your body from any angle without the need for surgery or radiation caused by x-rays and CT scans.
Why does my doctor care what type of MRI unit their patients go to?
Your doctor wants you to acquire the best images and interpretations possible. In MRI one of the basic principles of being able to obtain an image with high quality and resolution has to do with the MRI systems inherent field strength. The higher the field strength, the higher the signal and resolution. This translates into better image quality and often a higher accuracy for exam interpretation.
Are there any risk?
MRI units are very safe. There are no known side effects, but it is not usually recommended to have an exam during pregnancy unless medically indicated. However, to be perfectly safe we prefer to scan pregnant women only if the symptoms indicate that the scan can't wait until the baby is born and the patient signs an informed consent. If you are breast feeding and are required to have an exam with contrast, we ask that you suspend nursing for at least 24 hours after the exam.
Can anyone have an MRI scan?
The following items are important in helping us determine whether you qualify for an MRI scan. We will talk with you in detail about whether:
• You are pregnant
• You've ever had surgery
• You have any implants, especially in your eye, ear, brain or heart
• You have cardiac valve replacements or a pacemaker, bone or joint replacements or aneurysm clips.
These conditions may not exclude you from having an MRI exam, but they'll be important determining factors.
For example, patients with a cardiac pacemaker or certain brain aneurysm clips cannot safely have an MRI exam. Also, in some cases, infants, small children, claustrophobic patients and/or those with severe pain or physical limitations may not be able to lie still for an MRI exam without sedation
.
Why is the MRI scanner so noisy?
Although there are no moving parts inside and MRI scanner, noise is generated when powerful Radio Frequency (RF) electrical pulses are turned on and strong electromagnetic fields are switched off and on rapidly. We offer all patients earplugs, or nice music in headphones to help reduce the noise level. Many people can go to sleep during a scan.
Is there any preparation for a MRI?
Remember Magnets and Metal Don't Mix - Before you enter the MRI unit you must let your MRI technologist know if you have a pacemaker, surgical clips, a prosthesis, metal implants or any other metal objects in your body. Our clinic personnel will then determine whether or not you should proceed with the MRI examination.
Any metal materials that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet used for MRI imaging should be left at home or can be secured in a locker our facility. This list includes your watch, coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, pocket knives, etc.
You should also be certain that you are reasonably clean of metal flakes or slivers on your skin, as found in some eye make-up or as a result of working around metal finishing or grinding equipment.
What if I am claustrophobic?
If you know this in advance of the exam, please discuss this with your physician. He/she can prescribe an oral medication to help you relax. Follow your physician's instructions about when to take your prescription. Even if you are claustrophobic, our technologist and patient care associate will work with you to help you feel at ease throughout the exam.
How do I schedule an MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound?
If your doctor has recommended a clinical MRI, CT or Ultrasound scan to help in diagnosing your symptoms, then you or the doctor’s office staff will call to schedule you for an appointment. Our office can help the doctor by performing pre-certification with your health insurance carrier if necessary. Our central scheduling number is 24 251000.
How long will it take to perform an MRI, CT Scan Ultrasound?
MRI Scanning a single area without contrast will take about 20-40 minutes on the High Field MRI Scanner. If the doctor has ordered multiple body parts to be scanned, then the scans will take longer. CT Scanning will take about 10 minutes for each test ordered. Ultrasounds take about 20 minutes.
When will my Doctor get a report? Will I get copies of my scan to take to my Doctor?
Generally the scans are read the same day or next morning and a preliminary hand written report is faxed to your Doctor at that time. The formal typed report will be ready within three business days and sent by mail. You will be provided with one complimentary set of images on film or CD at the time of the scan to take to with you to your Doctor. We suggest that you keep these images in a safe place.
Is MRI superior to other imaging techniques (CT-scan, x-ray, etc.)?
Often, yes. MR images can be made from many different angles to give a better view of the tissues in question. MRI can also provide a level of detail that is often difficult to achieve with x-rays or other imaging systems. Because it captures relatively subtle difference in shape and appearance, an MRI image can help your doctor determine which tissues are healthy and which are not.
Best of all, you will not be exposed to any radiation when you receive an MRI scan.
