MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a safe and painless test that uses magnetism, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of your body’s organs, tissues and structures.

There are no known risks from an MRI scan. It is non-invasive and does not expose you to any radiation. Therefore, the scan can be repeated without any known adverse effects.

MRI may be used to evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be diagnosed correctly with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or CT (Computed Tomography).

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio frequency bursts to move the molecules in your body out of their normal alignment or their normal spinning pattern. As the molecules return to their natural positions, the MRI machine records that activity and uses the information to create detailed images of the organs, tissues and other structures inside your body.

The MRI scanner takes many very thin 2-dimensional pictures, which the computer can assemble into 3-dimensional pictures. This allows the doctor to look layer by layer at the area being scanned and provides greater detail to aid in the diagnostic process.

Since magnetic fields are used to produce the images from an MRI, metal in your body can complicate the diagnostic process. You must inform us if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, cerebral aneurysm clips, implanted neurostimulators, cochlear implants, etc.

Request an appointment online or call us to book your appointment.

Notify our staff if you have any metal, medical, or mechanical devices in your body. This exam may NOT be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, cerebral aneurysm clips or cochlear/internal hearing implants.

You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings and removable dental work. Wearing a sweat suit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.

Additional prep for MRI with I.V. contrast

If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic or are 60 years of age or older, you must have a creatinine level test to assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment. Keep hydrated before and after your exam.

Bring with you to your appointment:

Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.

Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:

The MRI technologist will confirm that you are free of all metal both inside and outside your body and review your medical history.

You will then be brought into the MRI room and asked to lie down on the scanning table. The area of your body being scanned will be comfortably positioned in or near a special surface coil. The coil maximizes the administration and recording of the radio frequency bursts and the magnetic fields to ensure the clearest possible images.

The scanning table you are lying on will be moved into the center of the magnet and the test will begin. The machine never touches you. Be sure to remain as still as possible to ensure the best possible images. The technologist will be able to talk to you from outside the room through an intercom during the scan.

Once all of the images have been recorded, the scanning table will move out of the MRI machine and the technologist will return to assist you off the table.

The MRI scan can take from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the area of the body being scanned.