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Magnetic Resonance Imaging


What is an MRI?

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool used by radiologists to detect subtle abnormalities that are not visible using other types of imaging. The MRI scanner uses a very powerful magnetic field to image the human body. The magnetic fields used in MRI have attractive forces many times that of small hand-held magnets. A specially designed computer creates extremely clear and precise images to help find subtle abnormalities within the body. For some MRI scans, a contrast (dye) injection may be necessary to highlight certain tissues for closer examination. MRI exams do not involve X-rays or radioactive material.
 
There are two types of MRI units; high-field MRI and low-field, open MRI. In the former, the patient lies still within a closed, cylindrical magnet while radio waves are directed at protons, the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, which are alternately excited and relaxed, emitting radio signals which are then processed by a computer to form an image. In open MRI, the patient is not fully enclosed.
 
High-field MRI produces superior images in a shorter scan time and is preferred by most physicians. Low field, open MRI is dictated for patients who are claustrophobic or extremely large. Image quality is good but the scan time is generally longer than the high-field unit. In addition, our center offers a high-field short bore unit with a wide bore opening that is less claustrophobic and can accommodate patients up to 500 lbs.


How do you prepare for your MRI?

   

• For most scans, there are no special preparations.

• If you are having an abdominal or pelvic MRI, please don’t eat for 3 hours prior to the scan and drink water only to swallow medications.
• Do not wear metal or jewelry.
• Let your doctor know if you have any implants, especially:
–  Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator
–  Brain aneurysm clip
–  Cardiac stent
–  Stimulators
–  Metal in your eye

• Notify us in advance if you have renal (kidney) disease.
• If you are or may be pregnant, tell your physician.

• You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

• If you must cancel or reschedule, please call us at least 24 hours before your appointment.
 
 
Special instructions for liver, kidney, adrenal, gallbladder and pancreas MRI exams:

· Do not eat or drink for 3 hours before the exam.


  
What should you bring to your procedure?

 

• Prescription or referral from your physician

• List of medications you take

• Insurance cards

• Any previous, relevant imaging exams and reports, including MRI or CT taken outside our network

• Medical history

• Pathology reports



What will you experience during your MRI?


 

Upon Arrival

 

• Because the MRI uses a powerful magnet, we will ask you to complete a safety questionnaire to learn if you have implants or other sources of metal in your body.

 

• We will ask you to remove any metal including jewelry, eye glasses, hearing aids, dental work, hair clips and hair pieces before your scan.

 

• Our MR technologists or the radiologist will ask you some medical questions and review what you can expect during the MRI.
 

 

During your scan

 

• We will make you as comfortable as possible on the exam table before the scan begins. Because the scanner can be noisy, we will provide you with ear protection.

 

• The table will slide into the MRI unit where the scan will be conducted. Please lie as still as possible to avoid blurring the images.

 

• You will be able to communicate with the MR technologist at all times during your exam. The technologist will constantly supervise you and will check in with you periodically during your scan.

 

• Most MRI exams last less than one hour.
 

 

After your MRI


• You may leave immediately after your MRI is completed and continue with your daily routine, even if you received an injection.

 

• The radiologist will review your scans and send the results to your physician. Urgent findings will be called or faxed in to your doctor.

 

 

For an appointment, please call 1-718-338-6868.


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