About MRI Exam

MR Imaging uses high field strength magnets and radio waves to produce high resolution images of the entire body without exposure to hazardous X-rays. MRI also allows us to obtain biochemical and physiological information. Our center features Siemens high field scanners: the Magnetom Trio 3.0T, the Magnetom Sonata 1.5T and the Magnetom Symphony 1.5T.

Your physician has ordered an MRI examination to help provide an accurate assessment of your health care needs. Depending on your individual needs your physician may have ordered an MRI examination with contrast to enhance the area under examination. For an MRI scan with contrast we inject gadolinium, a paramagnetic agent that has the ability to disclose abnormalities which may be otherwise undetectable.

Before your MRI examination
Our confirmation staff will contact you 24 to 48 hours prior to your examination to ask some very important questions to help you prepare for your examination.

Some of the questions are as follows:

  1. Do you have any implants, metal, pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implants, stents/shunts, bullet fragments, dental implants, pins or screws in bone?
  2. Do you have any allergies to medication?
  3. Have you had any eye injuries involving metal?
  4. Are you claustrophobic?
  5. Do you have any tattoos?

You may visit our facility before your exam to meet our staff, see the equipment and ask questions. Be specific when giving us details about your medical history.

Your health is important to us and we take every precaution to ensure your safety is first. Therefore, it is important that you notify your doctor and our staff of any metallic objects present inside your body because some of these may prohibit you from entering the magnetic field. These include:

  • Pacemakers
  • Non-MR compatible aneurysm clips or heart valves
  • Cochlear implants

Please let us know if you are pregnant. If you are claustrophobic or think you may be, let us know in advance so that special accommodations can be made for you.

You may eat and drink normally prior to your exam unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Continue to take medications prescribed by your doctor.

The day of your MRI examination
Please be prepared to arrive 30 minutes prior to your examination time to complete the registration process, prepare for the exam and ask the technologist questions prior to your scan.

On the day of the exam you will be asked to change into a gown prior to your scan. We advise you not to wear any eye makeup, hair pins, jewelry or bring any valuables to your exam. Our MRI scanners require a cold environment for operation so you will be provided with a blanket for your comfort.

During your MRI examination
Before the exam, a technologist will provide you with a gown to avoid interference from any metal objects on your clothing. You will then be placed on a movable padded table. A receiver coil will then be placed near the area of your body to be examined. In some cases the injection of a contrast agent may be necessary to obtain additional information.

Once you are comfortable, the exam table will slide into the magnetic housing. Although you will feel nothing during your scan, you will hear the scanner operating. You will hear intermittent humming and thumping sounds as the MRI scanner operates. To make the experience as comfortable as possible, we will provide you with earplugs to block out the sound or headphones so that you can listen to music during your exam. There is a two way intercom inside the scanner allowing communication between you and the technologist at all times. You will need to relax and remain still during the study. Remember an MR scan is safe and pain free.

After your examination
You should feel perfectly normal and be able to resume your everyday activities after your MRI examination.  

Disclaimer: These instructions are provided as a guideline for preparation for your imaging procedure. If your physician gives you more detailed instructions please follow his/her advice.