Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe way to make an image of your body because it does not use radiation. Instead, it uses a strong magnetic field supplied by a magnet and radiowave. No known biological hazards are associated with MRI.
Patients undergoing an MRI at Community Memorial should report to the Outpatient Care Center.
Because certain devices located inside your body may interfere with the MRI scan, and some may be dangerous to your health, we screen patients carefully. Please pay particular attention to the specific items and procedures listed below and inform the technician/nurse about any that apply to you:
No special preparations are necessary for an MRI scan. You may eat before the exam and continue any medications you are taking. Please do not wear eye makeup, hair oils, mousse or hair spray if you are having a head or brain MRI scan. Wear warm, comfortable clothing.
The MRI receptionist will ask you to sign a consent form for the MRI scan. The receptionist may need to get some additional information from you and he/she will also answer your questions.
The receptionist will check again to make sure you don't have a pacemaker and are not pregnant. You will need to remove any metal objects on your person such as pens, keys, coins and jewelry. Glasses, hearing aids and dentures should be removed to protect them from damage. Prior to your scan, please use the restroom because you may not move once the scan has begun.
A technologist will explain the exam to you as well as ask you questions about prior surgery and medical history.
The technologist will settle you comfortably on the table with pillows and blankets. The area of your body to be scanned will be positioned in the center of the magnet. A small device called a surface coil may be placed near the part of your body to be scanned in order to improve the image. You will then be moved to the center of the bore of the magnet, entering either head first or feet first.
Once the exam starts, it's important that you lie still and breathe normally. During the scan, you will hear a tapping noise that is caused by the magnetic fields being turned on and off. The technologist will explain what the noise is as it occurs.
Each MRI scan consists of mini scans lasting for several minutes. As many as three or four scans may be taken. The average exam takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
In some cases the doctor may order an image enhancement agent. This image enhancement agent is fluid that is injected into a vein in your arm or leg. It helps make the details of magnetic resonance images clearer. If an enhancement agent is used during your MRI exam, it doesn't mean that your condition is more serious or that anything is wrong with you. It simply means that your doctor would like a clearer picture.
After your MRI scan is completed, the radiologist will interpret your examination, and send a report to your doctor.
You should feel no effects from the MRI scan. You may go about your normal daily routine
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