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Prepare for a MRI
Safety
MRI uses a very powerful magnet, metal sensitive to magnetic fields will move when near the MRI machine. Before your MRI inform our personnel if you have any metal in your body such as a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, heart valves, ventricular shunt with telesensor, inner ear implants, implanted spinal cord stimulator, or metal fragments in the eyes (e.g. from an injury). During your exam you will need to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, glasses, watches, cell phones, pagers, coins, keys, credit cards (the magnetic strip on credit cards will be erased) and non-permanent dentures before entering the MRI room. You may wish to leave these items at home. We strongly recommend valuables be left at home.
The exam
The technologist will ask you to lie on the MRI table headfirst or feet first depending on the type of study you are having. He or she will be in contact with you over an intercom for the entire exam. The exam will begin when the table moves into the scanner. During the exam, you may feel a slight vibration in the scanner. This is normal. You will also hear a series of rhythmic knocking or hammering sounds in the scanner. These are a part of the normal operation of the scanner. Most people are not bothered by this sound, but if you wish, we can supply you with earplugs or stereo headsets to muffle the sound. Some MRI exams require the use of a contrast dye injected through a small needle into the vein. This dye is different from the dye used in other imaging exams such as IVP or CT scans, therefore you are at no increased risk for allergic reaction to this dye if you have had a reaction to the other type of dye. Also, this type of dye does not cause any sensation of warmth or nausea like the other dye. It may cause a headache. Most exams take approximately forty-five minutes.
Instructions
All jewelry and metal objects must be removed prior to scan (this includes all body piercings). We do provide an area where personal items may be stored safely during your exam; however, we encourage you to leave valuable items at home.
Report any metal you may have in your body, as discussed above in the "MRI safety" section.
If you feel you may be claustrophobic, contact your physician prior to your. Your physician may prescribe a medication that you would need to pick up from your pharmacy prior to your imaging appointment.
If you wear a pacemaker, MRI cannot be done.
Patient weight must be 300 pounds or less. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, contact your physician so that other scan arrangements may be made.
Your MRI scan will take approximately 45 minutes for each area ordered.
Please empty your bladder prior to your scan.
The scanner emits loud noises periodically during your scan. You may listen to the music of your choice or wear MRI-specific ear protection during your scan. Please notify the MRI Technician at anytime during your scan if the noise becomes too bothersome
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Try to dress in clothing without metal snaps, zippers, etc. No other preparation is necessary. |
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