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FHDI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is an efficient, comfortable outpatient procedure which gives you information to better evaluate condition.
MR imaging produces detailed pictures by using a magnetic field, radio waves and sophisticated computer processing.
This page answers most people's questions about MR imaging. We invite you to study it carefully, then let us know if you have any further questions.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is now the preferred method for assessing many parts of the body, including the brain, joints and spine.
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No X-rays |
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Noninvasive for most examinations
(no injection of contrast agents) |
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No known health risks |
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How MR imaging works
In MR imaging, the body is placed in the magnetic field of the MR machine. Energy in the form of radio waves is then directed to the portion of the body being studied.
The MR computer reads the radio waves leaving the body and processes them into picture form (images). The images are recorded on film to become part of the medical record. These pictures are then analyzed by one of the radiologists at our center and sent, along with a written report, to you.
Precautions
There are several circumstances under which MR imaging should not be done, and there are precautions which must be observed in other cases. Before the examination, the patient will be asked whether or not they have any of the following:
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Cardiac pacemaker |
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Cerebral aneurysm clips |
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Insulin pumps or other infusion pumps |
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Cochlear (inner ear) implants |
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Neurostimulator |
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Other metal in the body, especially in their eyes. (Some occupations are particularly prone to this, such as metal workers and automotive mechanics) |
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Pregnancy or Copper-7 IUD |
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Preparing for the exam
No advance preparation is required. Patients may eat normally and take any medication as usual, unless you give them other instructions.
What to expect
Patients will be asked to remove jewelry, watches, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any metal objects which could be affected by the magnetic field. In addition, they will be asked to change into comfortable clothing that we will provide for the examination.
In the imaging room, the patient will be positioned on a softly padded table which will be moved into the MR machine by the technologist.
Depending on the part of the body which is being studied, a small device (coil) will be placed over or underneath the body. This is not constricting, and it acts as a receiver for the radio waves produced by the MR machine.
If only a single part of the body (for example, the head, back or knee) is being studied, the examination usually takes less than an hour. Patients will hear a rhythmic thumping noise and may feel a slight vibration, but there should be no other physical sensations.
Throughout the exam, patients are able to hear and speak to the technologist. While the space in the MR machine is adequate, some people feel uncomfortable in it. If your patient has problems being in confined areas, please call us in advance to talk about this.
Occasionally a patient will need a moderate sedative to be comfortable in the MR machine. If this is the case they will need to bring someone to drive them home.
The quality of the MR study depends on the patients ability to hold still. As in a time exposure photograph, the medical image will blur if the patient moves.
Results
We will send films of the study and a written report by our radiologists. Unless there are extenuating circumstances this information is ready to leave our facility in 24 hours.
Risks and complications
In most cases, MR imaging is completely noninvasive, meaning that there are no injections.
In some situations, however, a contrast agent is needed. This liquid is given by injection prior to the exam. All contrast materials used are FDA approved and considered safe. The one used for this examination is specific to MR imaging, and it produces fewer reactions than the iodine-containing contrast used for CT scans and kidney x-rays.
There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves used in MR imaging. Furthermore, the exposure is of short duration and the radio frequencies are different than those suspected of possibly causing health problems.
Billing
We are preferred providers for most health plans. As a courtesy, we will bill the insurance program on behalf of the patient. Ultimately, they are responsible for payment.
For any portion not paid by insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
First Hill Diagnostic Imaging is known worldwide for development of innovative clinical imaging techniques.
Our staff physicians are all board-certified radiologists and have many years of clinical diagnostic experience with MR imaging, computer tomography (CT), and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility. First Hill's doctors regularly participate in clinical research projects and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our support staff is one of the best. Everyone at First Hill is committed at making each visit comfortable and efficient.
We invite you to call with any questions or concerns.
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