Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What Is an MRI?

An MRI is an imaging machine that uses a large magnet, a computer, and radio waves to look inside the body and to evaluate various body parts. It is done on various body areas, for the purpose of helping to make a diagnosis. Having a MRI is painless and requires minimal preparation.  Click here for more.

How Is it Done?

During the MRI exam, you will be lying on a firm table. The technologist will position you on the table and then move the table to the center of the MRI machine. The inside of the machine is like a giant tunnel that is well lit and open on each end.

The MRI makes a loud knocking noise while we take the image. For your comfort, you will be given ear plugs or ear phones to listen to music during the exam.

You may need to be given a contrast dye before the exam to improve the quality of the images made by the machine. The radiologist will decide is dye will be needed. If so, a nurse will start an IV before or during the exam.

Please be sure to let your doctors and nurses know if you have any allergies.

How Long Does it Take?

The test takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the part of the body being examined.

When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to assist you off of the table and you are free to go. (The radiologist will interpret the pictures and send a report to your doctor.)

How Do I Prepare for an MRI?

Because the MRI uses a large magnet, no metallic objects or mechanical devices can be in the MRI room.

Please let your doctor know if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
• Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
• Intrauterine device, aneurysm clips, Insulin pump or other infusion pump

General Instructions

• Tell the doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant
• Please leave all personal belongings, especially jewelry, money, credit cards etc, at home on the day of the test since you will need to remove them before the test
• Diet: There are no restrictions to your diet. Check with your doctor if you have a special diet (i.e. diabetes)
• Medications: You may take your usual medications. Please check with your doctor if you have to follow any special instructions for the day of the test (including any over-the-counter medications)
• Hair products: Many hair products or attachable hair weaves contain magnetic particles, and they must be removed as should any hair clips, ties, or pins that are made of metal or have metal parts on them
• Make-up: Because some make up, particularly mascara is made with a metallic base, it is best not to wear much make up the day of your appointment.
• Dental Devices: If you wear dentures, or parial dental plates, they must be removed.

Before the Exam

• The staff will instruct you to change into a hospital gown after you check in
• Remove all personal belongings, including anything with metal. For example, jewelry, bank cards, make-up, hearing aides, etc.
• Let the MRI technologist know if you are hard of hearing without your hearing aide.

During the Exam

• Lie on the exam tale. A device called a “coil” will be placed either over or under you. The coil helps to get a clear picture.
• After you are exactly positioned under the magnet, the MRI technologist will go into another room to run the test.
• The technologist will be able to see and hear you during the test. Let them know if you need help.
• During the test, relax and try to lie as still as possible.   Any movement will blur the picture.

After the Exam

You may resume your usual medications and diet.