MRI - Frequently Asked Questions
What is MRI and how does it work?
MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool. It is the fastest and safest way to get the clearest pictures of the human anatomy. It provides unparalleled view inside the human body. The level of detail we can see is extraordinary compared with any other imaging modalities. MRI is the method of choice for the diagnosis of many types of injuries and conditions because of the incredible ability to tailor the exam to the particular medical question being asked.
MRI uses no harmful x-rays. Instead MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to allow physicians to see the inside the body. The radio waves pass through the body and send images back to a computer which records them and they can be printed out on film, CD ROM or transfer to an electronic file for your referring physician. MRI imaging can lead to early detection and treatment of many health-care problems which allows your physician to move quickly and precisely with the appropriate early treatment.
How should I prepare for my exam?
At home:
No Special preparation is necessary. You may take all your normal medications and eat and drink normally. If your exam requires any restrictions, such as food intake – you will be informed during your confirmation process.
Wearing comfortable clothing with no zippers, buttons, snaps, hooks, or clips is helpful.
If you will be taking any anti-anxiety medication please make sure to have someone accompany you to drive you to and from your exam.
At the facility:
Upon arrival you will be asked to provide your insurance card and picture identification. You will be asked to complete and review necessary forms including a safety screening form. Because the strong magnetic field used for MRI may impact surgically placed implants or objects, we carefully screen each patient for metallic implants. Pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted ports, infusion catheters, vascular stents, aneurysm clips and various other metallic implants are all reviewed before you enter the magnetic field. Some implanted devices are safe and can be imaged with MRI others are not and those patients would not be allowed to have an MRI. Please notify The MRI Centers staff if you do have such implants. All patients are screened thoroughly as well as any individuals who may wish to accompany the patient into the scanning area. Your technologist will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
You may be asked to remove your jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures or any loose item you may have with you. The
What should I expect during my exam?
You are positioned comfortably on a sliding bed and for your MRI exam.
MRI causes no pain but some patients may find it uncomfortable to remain still during the exam. We will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. MRI imaging is extremely sensitive to motion so it is very important to remain as still as possible. A coil may be attached or place on the part of the body being scanned; this is what sends the images back to the computer. You will hear some knocking or thumping sounds – these are normal and vary in intensity during your exam. Headphones or earplugs are provided to each patient and significantly reduce the amount of noise that you hear. Total scan time will range from 20 – 60 minutes depending on the exam being performed. Your technologist will communicate with you throughout your scan and keep you informed.
When the exam is over the patient will be asked to wait a few moments until all the images are examined to make sure all information has been gathered. Some physicians request films be given directly to you the patient. This takes only a few additional minutes after your scan to produce. A radiologist specializing in MRI will analyze your images and a report will be sent back to your physician. Please inform our staff if you will be seeing your referring physician sooner than 48 hours so arrangements may be made to get the results of your imaging to them in time.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE MYSELF FOR AN MRI IF I BELIEVE I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
We would like to encourage you to stop by our office and tour our facility. Our friendly staff will be happy to explain your procedure to you and give you a tour of the center and our state of the art magnets. The MRI machines in our Haverhill and Woburn offices are specifically designed to offer claustrophobic patients a comfortable alternative to traditional MRI imaging. These machines are open on all four sides and are placed in large rooms with comfortable seating for your family or friends.
At the MRI Center we welcome friends or family members to accompany our patients into the scan room and remain with you the entire time. Any persons entering the magnetic field of the scanning area will be required to fill out a brief screening form for their safety. Please note that some implanted devices are not safe to be in a magnetic field i.e. pacemakers or certain aneurysm clips. Individuals with such devices will not be permitted in the scan area.
If you have a favorite music CD we will be happy to play it during your scan. You may also listen to the radio to help pass the time during your exam. Relaxation and meditation techniques may also be beneficial to some patients.
In certain cases of extreme anxiety we recommend talking with your physician about the benefits of anti-anxiety medication. For your safety, please follow all instructions given to you by your physician or pharmacist on proper usage of the medication. Plan to have someone drive you to and from your exam.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ANYTIME WITH QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.
