Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MR, MRI, MR SCAN, MRI SCAN, NEUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive scanning modality that uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies to produce images of the inside of the human body.

General preparation tips 

• Please bring a photo ID. Federal "RED FLAG" regulations require that we verify your identity at each visit.
• Please bring all relevant insurance information; your referral paperwork; and copies of X-rays and/or any prior exams.
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time to complete a medical screening form. It is important to fill out all information on the form (surgeries, medications, etc.) and let UMI staff determine its relevance with regard to your specific exam conditions.
• You will be escorted to a dressing room to change into a gown for your procedure. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and any clothing with a metallic component. Although lockers are provided, we ask that you leave your valuables at home.
• Your entire stay for the exam is estimated at 1 to 2 hours, including advance arrival time. Certain multiple exam procedures may take longer.

Metal objects and/or implants

As its name implies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnetic fields to generate its images. Metallic objects can significantly disrupt MRI imaging or even cause harm to you or the staff. Therefore, no metal (with the exception of some internal implants) may be on your person during the exam. With this in mind, please be advised of the following:

• Please notify the UMI technologist of any artificial implants or foreign objects. To determine MRI safety:
  • X-ray pictures may be taken to confirm presence or absence of metallic implants.
  • Contacting the surgeon and implant manufacturer may be required.
• Head and neck MRIs require the removal of dentures or partials.
• For your convenience, please leave any jewelry and hairpins at home. They must be removed for the exam.

Claustrophobia 

• If you are known to experience claustrophobia and would like sedation for your exam, please consult your referring physician to see if he or she will write you a prescription in advance of your UMI visit. Please be advised that UMI does not provide this medication.
• Patients undergoing MR of the head will have a mirror to see out of the scanner. For other MR procedures, you may request the use of prism glasses that allow you to see outside the scanner during the procedure. We can even provide you with a special blindfold that you can take home with you after your procedure. Fresh air is also constantly circulated throughout the lighted scanner.

Special conditions 

Please contact us in advance of your appointment if any of the following conditions pertain to you:

• If you have had spinal surgery in the past and are scheduled for an early morning, evening or weekend spinal exam.
• Please be advised that your breathing may not be assisted with an oxygen tank during an MRI exam.
• If you have artificial implants (pacemaker, aneurysm clips, etc.), please notify UMI the day prior to your appointment and bring your implant card with you to the exam.
• UMI is unable to accommodate patients confined to stretchers. If this applies to you, your exam must be conducted at Strong Memorial Hospital.
• If you use a wheelchair, be advised that UMI has limited appointments to normal weekday business hours only (i.e., no evenings or weekends). UMI does not have a Hoyer lift so we are unable to perform full transfers from wheelchair to exam table. Wheelchair patients must be capable of assisting with the transfer.
• The table used in the MRI exam has a weight limit of 350 lbs. If your weight exceeds this figure, please contact us in advance so that alternative imaging procedures or locations may be discussed.

Contrast injection 

• Certain MRI scans require an injection of an odorless and colorless contrast known as gadolinium. This injection is given in a vein near the elbow, generally with a butterfly (very small) needle or IV catheter.
• Side effects to this contrast are extremely rare, with the most common being a mild sensation of nausea (which passes after several minutes) and hives that might appear approximately 20 minutes after the injection. However, if you have severe asthma, are allergic to multiple medications or have previously had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast, please contact our nursing department at 341-9230 prior to your appointment.
• Please be aware that gadolinium is iodine-free. UMI routinely checks the results of recent blood tests as a precaution for those patients who are renal compromised. If you are on dialysis, please contact our nursing department at 341-9230 prior to your appointment.
• The contrast will not impair your ability to drive, and will pass harmlessly in your urine within 24 hours after the completion of the exam.

For more detailed information on many radiology procedures, please visit this informationalsite.