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What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?
MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a medical imaging
method used by physicians to look inside the human
body to obtain diagnostic information. MRI uses
a computer, magnetic field and radio waves
to create cross-sectional images or
"slices" of the body without the use of radiation. It can help provide
a quick and accurate diagnosis for your physician,
which in some situations can
reduce the need for exploratory surgery.
MRI is a non-invasive procedure, and there are no known side or after
effects. The procedure is used for all parts of the
body. The procedure is painless in
fact you won't feel anything. A faint knocking sound
will be heard, which is simply the imaging process
in operation. Back
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Why should I have my MRI at Able Imaging?
Patient advantages at Able Imaging:
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Able Imaging provides Open MRI scanning in a magnet designed to enable even the
most claustrophobic and/or oversized patients to be scanned
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Open air design (no sides)
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Patient friendly staff
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Large windows allowing natural light in the scanning room
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Stereo system (your tapes and CD's are welcome)
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With our experienced and board certified staff you will find our facility
exceptional in patient care
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We will do all we can to make your experience as comfortable as possible
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What should I expect?
The MRI procedure will last anywhere from 30 to 45
minutes, depending on the study requested by your
physician. To conduct the MRI study, a technologist
will assist you onto a padded, moveable scanning
table. Depending on the type of study you are having,
you will go in either feet first or head first.
The table is then positioned under the magnet.
The magnet is open on both sides and the technologist
will easily see you at all times.
For your convenience, an intercom system is built into the magnet so
that if you should need anything at all, the technologist
will be right there. During the
exam it is important that you remain still. During
the scan, you will not experience anything unusual.
There is a faint knocking sound, which represents
the magnetic field.
You may listen to music during your exam, so you may wish to bring a
cassette tape or CD with you to enjoy during the exam.
After the exam you may resume all
normal activities.
Depending on the study ordered by your physician, some MRI exams require
the injection of a contrast agent called Gadolinium.
Gadolinium is an organic
compound and does not contain iodine.This is only
used when the radiologist and/or referring physician
have determined that it is necessary for diagnostic
purposes. Gadolinium contrast highlights specific
organs, blood vessels or tissue to better show the
presence of disease or injury. Back
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How do I prepare? Click
here
to print out the instructions
Special preparation is is not required for most MRI
exams. If you are having a MRI of the abdomen you
will be asked not to eat or drink 4 hours prior
to the exam. Continue to take medication prescribed by your
doctor unless otherwise directed.
In preparation for your MRI you may be asked to remove make-up and dentures
depending on the study. In some cases, you may also
be asked to wear a hospital
gown to avoid magnetic interference from fabrics,
belt buckles and zippers.
Since MRI imaging involves the use of a relatively strong magnetic field
you will be asked to leave the following items in
a safe place outside the scan room:
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Coins
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Hearing aides
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Jewelry
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Keys
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Watches
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Hair pins
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Glasses
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Credit cards
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Other metal objects
Once you are situated on the table, make sure you are comfortable so
that it is easy to keep still. Breathe normally. There
is nothing about the procedure to
make you uncomfortable. Once the exam is over, the
technologist will assist you out of the scan room. Back
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When will I get the results of my MRI?
When the scan is finished your study will be reviewed
by the radiologist. The technologist is not able
to discuss the results with you. Your physician will
have the results of your study within 24 hours.Your
physician will discuss the findings directly
with you. Back
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Patient Safety Guidelines:
MRI imaging involves the use of a strong magnetic
field. This magnetic field pulls on many metal
objects. Thus, for safety reasons, the MRI technologist
must determine if you unknowingly have metal in
your body. Some patients may have small pieces
of metal in their eyes or other implanted objects
that may be susceptible to the magnetic field.
After a brief series of questions, an
x-ray examination may be necessary to screen for
metallic items prior to the MRI exam.
Notify the MRI technologist if you have had any brain, ear, eye, other
surgeries, or any of the following:
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Pacemaker
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Neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit)
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Metal implants
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Intrauterine device(IUD)
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Aneurysm clips
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Surgical staples
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Permanent eyeliner
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Cochlear implants
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Implanted drug infusion device
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Foreign metal objects in the eye
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Shrapnel or bullet wounds
MRI is not generally recommended for pregnant patients, especially during
the first trimester. If you are pregnant, please
notify your physician.
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