M.R.I.

What is M.R.I.

M.R.I. stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an exciting advance in diagnostic imaging. What makes M.R.I. so special is that it allows doctors to see detailed images (pictures) inside your body without the use of x-rays. M.R.I. scans illustrate to your doctor more clearly than ever the difference between healthy and diseased tissue. Consequently, your physician will be better able to determine what course of treatment you require, often times eliminating the need for more invasive procedures such as exploratory surgery or biopsy. MRA, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, is a non-invasive outpatient alternative to conventional angiography. MRA provides a 3-D depiction of flowing blood and provides a noninvasive evaluation of blood flow in vessels. MRA utilizes the difference between flowing blood and stationary tissue to generate contrast that highlights the blood vessels.

How does M.R.I. Work?

M.R.I. uses two naturally occurring forces to generate images of the body; magnetic fields and radio waves. The body is made up of tiny constantly moving particles called atoms. When the body is placed in a magnetic field (the M.R.I. scanner is a powerful magnet), some of the atoms will behave like small magnets and begin to point in the same direction. Then a series of radio waves are introduced while the patient is inside the M.R.I. scanner. Radio waves cause the atoms to flip in another direction and in response, the atoms send out an echo or radio wave of their own. The returning echoes are detected by a special antenna called a coil. This information is then transmitted to the computer where it is processed into a 3-D image of the inside of your body. These images will then be used by the radiologist in assisting your physician in making a diagnosis and planning your treatment.

About Metal

Since MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio frequency waves, metal will interfere with the signal needed to produce the MRI images. You will be asked to remove any metal objects before your MRI examination. Belts, clothing with snaps or zippers, hearing aids, coins, eye shadow, glasses, jewelry, watches, and hair pins need to be removed as these contain metal. The powerful magnet can also erase the coded information on your credit cards or bank cards, so wallets and purses should be left in a secure place outside the scan room. It is extremely important that you let them know if you have any of the following:

• Pacemaker
• Aneurysm Clips
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• Cochlear Implants
• Hearing Aid
• Dental Bridges
• Shrapnel
• Tissue expanders
• Neurostimulators
• Inferior Vena Cava Umbrella
• Are you or could you possibly be pregnant?
• Have you ever been a metal worker?
• Have you ever had any kind of metal fragments in your eyes?
• Is there any other pertinent information that you think the radiologist should be aware of?

How should I prepare for my M.R.I. Exam?

Please follow the instructions given to you when you schedule your exam.

What do I do during the M.R.I. Exam?

MRI is a simple and painless procedure. In fact, most of our exams only take approximately 20-30 minutes. The technologist will ask you to lie down on a flat table. Once you are comfortably positioned, the table will move your body into the magnet used to make the pictures. The magnet is open on both ends and allows air and light inside. The body part being imaged will need to be placed in the center of the scanner. The technologist will keep in contact with you throughout the examination by an intercom system and is situated at the computer/control panel just behind a glass partition. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask, and the technologist will come right in to help you. During the examination there is nothing to do but lie as still as possible, breathe normally, and relax until the exam is over. It is very important to remain still since movement will blur the images, similar to a photograph. To help the time go by more quickly, feel free to bring your favorite CD to listen to through our built-in music system . Again, most exams only take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Once the actual scanning begins, you will hear a thumping sound. The thumping sounds are normal mechanical noises that the scanner makes and should be the only sensation that you experience during your exam. The technologist will check with you via the intercom system throughout your exam, and will be able to see and hear you the entire time. When the scan is finished, the technologist will help you off the table.

Contrast

For some parts of the body to be examined by M.R.I., the doctor may want to use a contrast material to better delineate or outline the particular body part being scanned. No additional precautions or preparations are required. The radiologist or technologist can answer any questions that you may have regarding the use of the contrast, should it be necessary.

Registration

Because we have reserved a specific time for your exam, we appreciate your promptness. We suggest that you arrive approximately 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled test time to allow sufficient time to register in the Patient Access Office, located to the far left of the information desk in the main lobby.

When will I know the results?

The images from your study will appear on a computer screen where they will be evaluated for proper positioning and clarity. The information is then transferred to our PACS, and our Board Certified radiologist will study and interpret your images. We will report the results to your doctor, who will then discuss them with you.

Our Staff

We are proud to be able to provide you with the utmost in patient care from our highly trained and experienced staff. Our Board Certified radiologist is also CAQ Certified in neuroradiology, with special competency in M.R.I.. Our registered technologists have also passed a special M.R.I. Board exam. Continuing education is a vital part of our philosophy here at St. Joseph Medical Center, and we are always striving to improve our services to the community. The Radiology Department is located on the first floor of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic area of the medical center.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions concerning your imaging procedure , please call St. Joseph Medical Center Department of Radiology – 610-378-2232.