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Are there any reasons I should not have the scan done?
Because of the
potential harmful effects associated with some metallic objects in
a magnetic field, you should check with your physician or the MRI
Technologist if you have had any brain, heart, eye, ear or other
surgeries. Also if you have any of the following please let the
technologist know:
- Metal implants
- Surgical staples
- Foreign metal objects in eye, or removed from eye
- If you have ever been a sheet metal worker or machinist
- Shrapnel, bullets, or bullet wounds
- Tattoos
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
You may NOT have the scan if you have the following:
- Pacemaker
- Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
- Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
- Implanted drug infusion device
If you are pregnant please notify the technologist.
- Metal implants
- Surgical staples
- Foreign metal objects in eye, or removed from eye
- If you have ever been a sheet metal worker or machinist
- Shrapnel, bullets, or bullet wounds
- Tattoos
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
You may NOT have the scan if you have the following:
- Pacemaker
- Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
- Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
- Implanted drug infusion device
If you are pregnant please notify the technologist.
Do I need to prepare for the exam?
No special
preparation is needed. Eat normally and take medication as usual,
unless your doctor has given you other instructions. You may find
it easier to relax if you avoid drinking coffee or other
caffeinated beverages before the exam.
How long does the MRI scan take?
The exam can
last from 30 minutes to usually no more than one hour.
Is there any risk?
Magnetic
resonance imaging is very safe. There are no health risks
associated with the magnetic field or radio waves used by the
machine.
However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:
-cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
-metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
-intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
-Insulin pump or other infusion pump
-aneurysm clips
-previous gun wound
-inner ear implant
-ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
-permanent (tattoo) eye-liner
Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam.
Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.
However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:
-cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
-metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
-intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
-Insulin pump or other infusion pump
-aneurysm clips
-previous gun wound
-inner ear implant
-ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
-permanent (tattoo) eye-liner
Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam.
Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.
What is an Open MRI?
Our open MRI has
clear, unobstructed space on three sides, so you can see and talk
to our staff during the exam. That means a more pleasant experience
for you.
What is the Exam or Test like?
The exam usually
takes 30 to 60 minutes. It consists of several image exposures
lasting 10 to 15 minutes each.
You will be asked to remove your make-up, eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying.
Then, the technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table. A device called a coil will be placed over or under you. It helps the MRI system create a clear picture of your body. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move under the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled thumping sound for several minutes at a time. Other than the sound, the MRI creates no bodily sensation.
For the Test, you will probably be asked to change into a patient gown or scrubs. You will lie down on the scanner table and the technologist will help position you on the table. When the machine starts to work, you will hear some loud knocking sounds. These sounds are normal and occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken. It is important that you hold still while the machine is running otherwise, the pictures will be blurry and may have to be repeated.
Relax and try to lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. When the exam is done, the technologist will help you off the table.
You will be asked to remove your make-up, eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying.
Then, the technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table. A device called a coil will be placed over or under you. It helps the MRI system create a clear picture of your body. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move under the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled thumping sound for several minutes at a time. Other than the sound, the MRI creates no bodily sensation.
For the Test, you will probably be asked to change into a patient gown or scrubs. You will lie down on the scanner table and the technologist will help position you on the table. When the machine starts to work, you will hear some loud knocking sounds. These sounds are normal and occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken. It is important that you hold still while the machine is running otherwise, the pictures will be blurry and may have to be repeated.
Relax and try to lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. When the exam is done, the technologist will help you off the table.
Will I feel anything during the scan?
The MRI scan is
completely painless and comfortable. Occasionally, an injection of
a solution called contrast material may need to be used to better
visualize the area of interest as specified by your physician. The
contrast material used during an MRI scan typically has few or no
side effects.
Will I need an injection?
In most cases an
MRI exam does not require any injections. In some situations,
however, a substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to
enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast
agents are FDA-approved and are considered safe.
Very anxious patients and small children may be given a sedative to help them relax and lie still during the exam. If you think you will require a sedative, you will need to bring someone to drive you home.
Very anxious patients and small children may be given a sedative to help them relax and lie still during the exam. If you think you will require a sedative, you will need to bring someone to drive you home.
