MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRIs are performed at our Riverside and Pointe West locations.
Locations
- Riverside
- Pointe West
During the Exam
Examination time depends upon the part of the body being examined, but it typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. You will be provided a gown that contains no metal for your safety. The reason you will be changed into an MRI safe gown is because many types of clothing contain metal fibers that may cause you serious burns from the magnet. We kindly ask that you leave all valuables including jewelry at home.
For most types of exams, the MRI technologist will wrap a special coil around the body part that is being examined. This coil helps concentrate the radio frequency pulses. The MRI technologist then will position you on a padded, movable table that will slide into the opening of the scanner.
You may be given a contrast agent to highlight internal organs and structures.
You won’t feel anything during the scan, but you may hear intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking sounds. These are the sounds of the magnetic gradients turning on and off.
The MRI technologist will not be in the room during the scan, but will observe you through a window from a room next door and talk to you through a two-way microphone system. The technologist will tell you when each scan sequence is beginning and how long it will last. You will be asked to remain as still as possible throughout the sequence.
Some types of scans require fasting beforehand. You will be instructed if fasting is necessary for your procedure.
We are happy to answer your questions by telephone at any time before your appointment.