Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about Magnetic Resonance Imaging Q: What is MRI? Q: What is Open MRI? Q: What are the advantages of MRI? Q: • Are there conditions I should alert you to when I schedule my MRI? Q: How do I prepare for the exam? Q: What will the exam be like? Q: How long will the exam take? Q: What do I do after the exam? Q: When will I know the results? What is MRI? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body. With computer guidance, an MRI creates images of both bone and soft tissue from many different angles. These multiple views help our doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions more accurately than ever before. An MRI is a painless and extremely safe procedure because no radiation is used. What is Open MRI? An Open MRI, uses a wider, less constrictive patient platform, or gantry, and eliminates the enclosed tube in favor of a design that is open on all four sides. Open MRI produces the same results as a normal MRI but effectively removes the complaints of claustrophobia some patients experience with a traditional MRI . Our affiliate, Bethpage MRI, uses an Open MRI Imaging System. What are the advantages of MRI? The more sophisticated images provided by an MRI make it possible for doctors to detect disease or injury at an earlier stage, which can increase the effectiveness of treatment. What’s more, the procedure is painless, accurate and quick, and the patient isn’t exposed to X-rays or radioactive substances. In fact, MRIs have been in use for more than 25 years, and there are no known side effects. When scheduling an appointment, are there certain conditions I should let you know about? Please tell us about any of the following when you make the appointment, and repeat the information to the technician during preparation for the procedure: • You have a pacemaker. • You are pregnant, or suspect that you may be. • You have aneurysm clips. • You have had heart or brain surgery. • You have any metal fragments in your eyes. • You have shrapnel in your body. • You suffer from claustrophobia. • You weigh 300 lbs. or more. How do I prepare for the exam? You can continue your daily activities, eat light meals, and take any prescribed medications. Avoid clothing with metal buckles, buttons, or zippers, if possible, and don’t apply eye makeup or hair spray. You should also remember to bring your insurance information and any previous imaging studies of the area to be examined. What will the exam be like? The MRI technologist performing your examination will escort you to the examination room. All Sitron-Hammel technologists work under close supervision of a radiologist and their extensive education and training ensure the most accurate results from your examinations. You will be positioned on the imaging table or gantry. To prevent blurred and unusable scans you must remain as motionless as possible. The technologist will slide the examination table into the air-conditioned MRI tube or unit. You will always be fully visible and able to communicate with your technologist through two-way microphones. While you are being scanned you will feel absolutely no effects from the MRI, although you will hear the low hum of the unit in operation. Depending on the reason you are having an MRI, you might be given a substance called gadolinium. It is a natural substance that acts as a contrast medium to enhance the image of blood vessels or tumors, and is then quickly eliminated from the system. How long will the exam take? The exam can last between 30 to 60 minutes, and can vary depending on the nature of the study and other factors. What do I do after the exam? Whatever you like. There are no restrictions on normal activities following an MRI. When will I know the results? Usually within 24 hours your films will be analyzed by a radiologist and the findings reported to the referring physician. He or she will discuss the results with you.
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