MRI guide

http://www.allieddiagnostics.net/patient-guides/mri-guide/

MRI magnetic resonance imaging is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure. MRI uses radio waves, a magnet, and computer software to obtain two- and three-dimensional (3D) images of the inside of the body. These images are used for detecting and treating various diseases in their early stages.

Allied Diagnostics also have an open MRI Facility. These scanners have been developed for people who are claustrophobic, anxious and obese or for children.

How do I prepare for my Scan? Can I eat and drink?

No special preparation is required. You may eat, drink and continue to take any medication prior to your MRI scan. However, if you are having a scan of your abdomen or a MRCP (MR Cholangiopancreatography) you will be asked to fast for four hours before your scan.

Breast MRI appointments should be scheduled between day 10 and day 15 of your menstrual cycle. Day 1 being the first day that you menstruate. If you are post menopausal, appointments can be made at your convenience.

Your MRI appointment will be made directly by our team of MRI technologists.

It is very important to bring all previous breast imaging (previous MRI, mammogram and ultrasound) reports and CD images/films on the day of the exam for the radiologist to review and to have a comprehensive impression of your breast health.

MRI Safety

Metal within the body can be problematic for MRI. Metal may reduce image quality by loss or distortion of information, and/or may cause high risk to your health.

You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire before starting the exam. The trained MRI technical staff will then determine whether it is possible to go ahead with the exam. It is very important to be accurate. You may be asked to provide additional information about implants before a decision on safety can be made. All implant cards provided by hospitals at the time of surgery should be brought to the MR appointment.

People with the following implants can not be scanned and can not enter the MR rooms:

Aneurysm Clips.
Cardiac Pacemakers.
Cochlear Implants.
Neuro and Bone Stimulators.
Infusion Pump.
Electronic and Magnetically Activated Implants.

Any uncertainty about contradictions should be discussed with our MR Team.

What can I expect during my MRI study?

After your medical interview, you will be asked to remove any jewelry, hair clips, hearing aids, or other objects that may interfere with the MRI study. You may also be asked to change into an examination gown if your clothes have metal buttons or zippers. After changing into a patient gown, you will be led to the MRI suite.

Next, the technologist will position you on the table of the MRI unit. A surface coil will be positioned around the part of the body being studied (eg, the shoulder). Surface coils act like an antenna to receive the radio waves from the MRI system. It is normal to feel heat around the area of the surface coil. But if at any time this feeling becomes intense or uncomfortable, please alert the technologist.

Once you are properly positioned, the table will begin moving you into the MRI tunnel until the area being studied is in the center of the magnet. It is essential that you remain completely still during the study. You may even be asked to hold your breath. This is because movement can blur the images, making the study less accurate. Depending on your study, several different sequences may need to be performed. A sequence is one set of images taken from a certain plane through the body (eg, down the middle, or through the center). Depending on which MRI study you are having and how many sequences need to be performed, your examination can take anywhere from 10 minutes to almost an hour.

Will I need an injection?

Some patients may need an contrast medium injection to enhance the images, usually in parts of the body which have poor natural contrast. Contrast is a special liquid that highlights the tissue to make subtle differences or pathology easier to see. Allergic reactions to contrast are rare. However, if you feel discomfort or nausea at any time during the study, do not hesitate to alert the technologist. You will be able to communicate with the technologist via intercom throughout the entire study.

I’m afraid I’ll feel claustrophobic inside the magnet. Can’t I just get an open MRI instead?

Yes. At Allied Diagnostics in addition to our HDx 1.5T we have an Open 0.35T magnet.

When will I get the results?

The results of your scan will be sent to your referring Physician within 24 hours of your exam. Your report and images will include a summary of the radiologist’s findings and recommendations for further follow-up.

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