Open MRI FAQs
It is completely natural to experience some degree of anxiety before undergoing medical tests. Knowing more about the testing process, how it works, what to expect and what should be done beforehand can help to reduce anxiety and makes you a more informed patient. Your physician or our medical staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning your test that are not covered in our FAQ section below.
Questions
Answers
How Does an MRI work?
Your body is composed of atoms. Water or hydrogen atoms make up 95% of the human body. Usually, the hydrogen atoms within the body spin at random. When you have an MRI, you are placed in a strong magnetic field that is up to 8,000 times stronger than that of the earth. This causes these atoms to realign and spin all in the same direction. Like CT, MRI acquires images that are a "slice" of anatomy. Using the magnetic fields and radio waves, remarkably detailed cross-sectional images of the body can be obtained. A computer processes these images to produce detailed pictures of the anatomy.
Back To List
Why is Mri performed?
MRI is performed to provide information about internal tissue that cannot be viewed through x-ray. With MRI, the smallest structures in the body can be imaged.
Back To List
What can I expect during an MRI examination?
You will be interviewed prior to your examination. The purpose of the interview is to identify any conditions, issues, or special needs that we should be aware of during the examination. The interview takes approximately 15 minutes. Following the interview, a licensed technologist will explain the MRI procedure to you.
Prior to the MRI examination, you will be asked to remove and store any objects containing metal so that there is no interference with the magnet. Examples of objects containing metal are: coins, watches, jewelry, hair clips, keys, credit cards, and dentures. You will be asked to store your cell phone as well, as the magnet may damage it. You may be asked to change into a gown or scrubs, depending on the body part to be scanned or the type clothing you are wearing (for example, jeans or slacks with a meal zipper). You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table which will slide into the portion of the MRI machine containing the magnet.
Some patients, but not all, need an injection of contrast as part of the MRI examination. When the referring doctor decides that contrast is necessary, a pharmaceutical agent called "Gadolinium" is administered. The Gadolinium contrast is used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or tissue stand out. This helps highlight structures to better assess for disease or injury. The referring doctor provides Advanced Imaging with information about each patient's specific medical condition. The decision to use, or not use an injection of contrast is made on an individual basis, based on all the information and the body part being examined.
If Gadolinium is necessary, a small needle is inserted into the vein in the arm or hand. It is removed immediately after the injection. As with any medication, there is very slight chance of an allergic reaction. Side effects are very uncommon with Gadolinium.
During the examination, you may hear a tapping or knocking noise. This is normal and is created when some of the parts of magnet (gradient coils) are turned on and off very rapidly to measure the signal that comes from the patient's body. The knocking may be loud enough to require ear plugs which we provide. During the examination, you will be able to listen to music and to communicate with the technologist at all times via the intercom.
You should try not to move when you are in the magnet, especially while you hear the knocking noise. It is particularly important that you not move the body part being imaged during the study. If you need to stretch a muscle, you may do so in between image acquisitions, when the knocking noise has stopped.
You may talk to the technologist via intercom at any time during the study. However, it is best to talk in between the pictures (when the knocking noise has stopped) to minimize any motion.
Back To List
How long will my MRI examination take?
At Advanced Imaging, we offer an array of examinations. Depending on the type of exam ordered by your doctor, the length of the procedure will typically be between 20 and 40 minutes. If your doctor has ordered multiple scans, the length of time may be longer. The technologist will discuss the specifics of your examination with you prior to your study.
Back To List
Is MRI safe?
Since MRI does not use radiation, there are no apparent risks. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult your doctor before having an MRI scan. MRI uses a very strong magnetic that can pull on metallic objects. For safety reasons, the MRI staff must determine if you have metal in your body.
Some patients may have small pieces of metal in their eyes, metallic implants, prosthetic devices that contain metal, surgical clips, certain types of stents, pace makers, defibrillators, infusion pumps or other implanted devices that could be sensitive to the magnetic field. Occasionally, your doctor may order an x-ray to screen for metallic objects prior to your MRI exam.
Our MRI technologists are certified and our Radiologists have extensive experience in MRI.
Back To List
Is it safe to have an MRI if I have dental fillings?
MRI will not affect the fillings. However, occasionally, the metal within the fillings will distort the image, if the scan is of the facial area.
Back To List
Who cannot have an MRI?
Almost everyone can have an MRI with complete safety. Our staff and the Technologist will ask certain questions about your medical history to ensure the best possible results from your MRI examination.
Patients with the following conditions are not candidates for MRI examinations:
- Patients with cardiac pacemakers, neuro-stimulators or other electrical devices in their bodies.
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes.
- Tens unit
- Patients with infusion pumps or similar devices.
- Patients with cerebral aneurysm clips are sometimes excluded. Please check with our staff if you have any questions.
- Pregnant women are generally not recommended for MRI scans. Be sure to inform your physician and our staff if you are pregnant.
Back To List
Can I have an MRI if I am pregnant?
MRI is considered a safe test and there is no ionizing radiation used; however, conclusive evidence showing how safe MRI is for pregnant women and the fetus is not yet available. MRI is generally not performed during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (first trimester).
Generally, we do not perform MRI on pregnant women unless there is a strong medical indication. Prior to the study, you may want to discuss this with your obstetrician. Depending on the condition, other tests, including ultrasound, may be available to diagnose a medical condition.
Back To List
If I am nursing an infant and have had an MRI with Contrast, can I resume nursing after the exam?
We recommend that patients wait two days after receiving the Gadolinium injection before resuming breast feeding. Patients may wish to pump breast milk prior to the exam and store it for use during this period. You may wish to discuss this further with your doctor.
Back To List
Do I need a referral (Prescription) to have an MRI examination?
Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) for you to receive an examination. In addition, in some instances, some insurance carriers require pre certification. As a courtesy, in most instances, our staff will obtain the pre certification required by your insurance upon receipt of the doctor's referral.
Back To List
What insurance plans do you accept?
Advanced Imaging accepts virtually all insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid and Worker's Compensation. Our billing and insurance staff are available to assist you with any questions you may have.
Back To List
When will I know the results of my examination?
A detailed typed report of the procedure and findings will be sent promptly to your doctor, generally within 24 to 48 hours following the exam. Your doctor will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results are telephoned immediately to your doctor.
Back To List
What should I do to prepare for an MRI examination?
No special preparation is needed for the exam. Eat normally and take any medications that you usually take.
If you are having a Brain MRI, please do not wear any makeup as it may interfere with the exam.
Back To List
| 
