Patient Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• What is MRI?
• How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures
such as x-ray and CT scanning?
• What is MRI used for?
• How does MRI work?
• How does open MRI differ from regular MRI?
• When is MRI indicated?
• Do I need a prescription for an MRI?
• How do I prepare for an MRI?
• How long will the exam last?
• What can I expect during the exam?
• What is a contrast agent and will I need it?
• I’m very claustrophobic. What should I do?
• When will my physician get the results of my exam?
• What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
• Does my insurance cover my procedures?
What is MRI? (top)
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is a method used by physicians to look inside the human body and obtain anatomical and functional diagnostic information.
How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures such as x-ray and CT scanning? (top)
All diagnostic imaging procedures provide information about the form and/or function of the body. MR images typically provide greater information about the body’s soft tissue than other techniques. Additionally, the trained medical professionals responsible for acquiring MRI can easily produce MR images with functional information, such as blood flow. MRI also provides diagnostic information without the use of radiation or radioactive substances. It is a non-invasive procedure, and there are no known side or after effects.
What is MRI used for? (top)
MRI is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:
Brain disorders
Traumatic injuries
Spine diseases
Tumor detection
Liver and other abdominal diseases
Joint (such as knee and shoulder) injuries
Facial/Neck abnormalities
Eye abnormalities
Infection
Blood flow and vessel disorders
How does MRI work? (top)
MRI uses a computer and the physical properties of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the soft tissues within the body. MRI signals from the body are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. The MRI signals are detected and converted to a form that the computer can understand. The computer processes the MRI signals from the body to form MR images. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this process and are thereby translated into different contrast levels on the MR images. The trained physician can then view the MR images and form a clinical diagnosis.
Open MRI offers an open-air gantry design that is completely open on all four sides, providing greater comfort during the examination. Open MRI helps to minimize the claustrophobic effect and patient anxiety often noted during regular tunnel-type MR exams. The image quality, patient imaging times and advanced clinical imaging capabilities of the open-air system are comparable with conventional systems.
When is MRI indicated? (top)
An MRI is indicated whenever a physician requires top-quality anatomic images, especially of soft tissue.
Do I need a prescription for an MRI? (top)
Yes. If you have reason to believe that an MRI would be beneficial in diagnosing your condition please consult your doctor.
How do I prepare for an MRI? (top)
Preparing for an MRI scan is very easy. Before the exam you may follow all your normal routines such as eating and taking regular medication. We advise that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. No facial make-up is recommended if imaging will be performed to evaluate your eyes, because some make-up contains metallic pigments that interfere with image acquisition. You may be asked to change into a guest robe as some clothes have metallic fasteners that can interfere with the imaging.
You will be asked to remove all jewelry, hearing aids and any removable dental work. Any metal object might be attracted to the MR scanner’s magnet, and thereby hinder the procedure. Bank cards and credit cards are also restricted from the scan room, as the magnetic field could erase the information contained on them. All personal items can be left in a personal changing suite.
What does the Utah Valley Imaging staff need to know about me to perform the scan? (top)
Besides complete information about your medical history, your physician and Utah Valley Imaging must know if you have any metal in your body which cannot be removed, including:
- a pacemaker
- a metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
- cochlear implants/metallic ear implant
- an artificial heart valve
- an intrusive intrauterine device (IUD)
- aneurysm clips in the brain
- implanted spinal cord stimulator
- implanted insulin pumps
- vascular coils and filters
- surgical staples and wires
- bone or joint replacements
- metal plates, rods, pins or screws
- contraceptive diaphragms or coils
- penile implants
- permanent dentures
Also, it is important to know if you have been exposed to metallic fragments:
- through a war wound
- as a metal worker
- through construction work or house painting/cleaning, etc;
Please also advise Utah Valley Imaging if you are pregnant, think you might be, or are breastfeeding
It is very important that you reveal such items to the radiologist and our Utah Valley Imaging staff.
How long will the exam last? (top)
The MRI procedure will typically last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of information required by the physician.
What can I expect during the exam? (top)
To conduct the MR study, a technologist will assist you onto a padded, moveable scanning table. The table is then positioned inside the opening of the MRI scanner. You will be observed throughout the study and will be able to speak with the technologist or physician at any time. During the exam you will be required to remain as still as possible but will not experience anything unusual during the exam. A knocking sound will be heard that represents the changes in the magnetic field and are part of the imaging process.
Parents are welcome to stay in the scanning room with their young children throughout the scan.
Immediately after the exam you may resume all normal activities.
What is a contrast agent and will I need it? (top)
Certain types of scans require the use of an injected contrast agent. This contrast agent, which is given intravenously before the exam, highlights certain parts of the body.
I’m very claustrophobic. What should I do? (top)
Because our MRI is open—allowing patients to see the examination room about them—the chances of you becoming claustrophobic while being scanned are minimal. If you have claustrophobic tendencies and you are concerned that this may otherwise prevent you from remaining still, please ask your physician to prescribe a sedative for you to take just prior to your exam.
When will my physician get the results of my exam? (top)
Your MRI scan will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist specially trained in MRI technology. The radiologist will then send the report to your physician, who will discuss the findings with you. In most cases the results will be available 24 hours after the scan takes place.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment? (top)
As we only serve one client at a time, an appointment means that we reserved that specific time for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call us at least 24 hours in advance.
Does my insurance cover my procedures? (top)
Insurance will cover most procedures we offer. If there is a question about coverage, our staff will determine if your insurance will approve the expenses. If your insurance does not cover a procedure, payment options can be arranged to meet your individual needs.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at 802-XRAY (9729).
