What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make images of organs and structures in the body. MRI shows problems in the body that may be seen with x-ray, CT scans, or ultrasound technology. The head, chest, blood vessels, abdomen, pelvis, bones, joints, and spine are common areas that are examined with MRI. Your body may be scanned for bleeding, tumors, blood vessel diseases, injury, and infection.

You should bring any previous X-rays of the area being examined and other essential medical information with you to your exam to assure the best study and most accurate results.

Because MRI scans use a magnetic field, you may not have the exam if you have a(n):

  • pacemaker or defibrillator
  • cochlear implants
  • most brain aneurysm clips
  • neurostimulator/bone stimulator
  • inner ear prosthesis
  • retinal tack/buckle
  • pain pumps
  • permanent hearing aids
  • some ventriculoperitoneal shunt valves
  • some penile implants
  • some vascular stents
  • Pill cam TM (until expelled)
  • Resolution TM clips
  • artificial limb
  • prosthetic device
  • metal pins in your body
  • metal heart valves
  • brain aneurysm clip
  • cochlear implants

You should inform the technologist if you:

  • have medical conditions, like allergies, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease
  • wear a medication patch
  • are allergic to any medications
  • are or might be pregnant or breast-feeding
  • have worked around metal or have had an accident involving metal
  • have tattooed eyeliner
  • become nervous in confined spaces (claustrophobia)
  • have an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • had surgery within six week of your MRI

Please DO NOT wear eye makeup, jewelry, hair pins, or other metal accessories to your exam.

Patient Preparation for MRI Exams

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time in order to complete the registration process. Please allow two hours for the procedure.  It usually takes 30-90 minutes for the actual scan
  • You will need to complete a detailed MRI screening questionnaire for your safety.
  • Please continue to take your prescribed medications as normal unless otherwise advised by your physician.  For studies of the abdomen or pelvis, be sure not to eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to your exam.
  • If you have had a barium study or CAT scan with oral contrast within the past 30 days and are scheduled for a MRI of the abdomen or pelvis, an x-ray of your abdomen will be required prior to your scan.
  • Let your physician know if you many be claustrophobic.  Conscious sedation should be given by your physician prior to arriving for your MRI.  Someone must accompany you to drive you after your exam.
  • The MRI can be affected by any metal in the exam room.  Please leave jewelry, keys, and other metallic items at home or in a locker.  (To see a more detailed list, please see the bottom of the MRI screening sheet.) For exams of the brain, eye makeup should not be worn.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing.  Zippers and snaps may interfere with the MRI; therefore it is best to wear elastic waist pants/shorts, shirt with no buttons or snaps, and a sports bra, if possible.  You may be asked to wear an exam gown if your clothing contains any metal.
  • The MRI technologist will assist you on to the padded exam table and position you for the procedure.
  • During the MRI, you will need to lie as still as possible to improve the clarity of the imaging.
  • You will hear knocking sounds from the MRI machine during the procedure.  Ear plugs or music will be provided and you may also bring a CD or your iPod to listen to.
  • The MRI technologist will be in constant communication with you during your exam.
  • Depending on what MRI exam you are scheduled for and what the Radiologist or your physician deems necessary, you may be given a contrast injection of gadolinium. Gadolinium contrasts have been used safely in millions of patients, minor and serious or life threatening reactions rarely occur. Any questions you have may be answered by the MRI technologists, radiologist, or your physician.
  • For your comfort, blankets and pillows will be provided.
  • Children may not accompany you into the scan room.  Please make arrangements ahead of time.  For their safety, they will not be able to wait unattended in the lobby.

Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable MRI procedure.  If you are uncomfortable in anyway, please let the MRI technologist know!

 

What should I expect during the procedure?

During your MRI, you may be required to wear a gown depending on the area that is being scanned. You will lie on a table and must remain still, because movement may obscure the images. The table will slide into the MRI magnet.

J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital has a Conventional High Field MRI machine.
Conventional High Field MRI is the standard MRI scanner. It is a powerful unit that produces clear, high-quality images. It has a long tunnel that causes many people to experience claustrophobia. If you are claustrophobic, you may be offered a small dose of sedatives to help you relax. In this case, you will need to bring a driver with you because you will not be able to drive home after the exam.

The MRI scan usually takes about 30 - 90 minutes, but can take up to 2 hours. You will hear a muffled thumping sound but you may bring a CD or iPod to listen to during the scan.

You will not feel pain during your MRI scan, but may feel a slight tingling in your mouth if you have fillings or warmth in the area being examined.

When will I be informed of my results?

After your MRI, the radiologist will mail or fax the results to your physician. The average turn around time for Radiology reports at J.C. Blair is about 8 hours unless the radiologist needs to research more information about your medical history or previous studies for comparison. Your physician will schedule an appointment with you where he or she will discuss the study results.

 

Your Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI) at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital
is scheduled for _____________________ at ___________.
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to register in the Main Lobby, unless you have been pre-registered. Be sure to bring your insurance card and physician’s order with you.

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