MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces detailed images of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. MRIs can provide early detection of many conditions. If there is an abnormality, an MRI can show where it is, its size, and whether or not it has spread.

In most cases there is no special preparation needed to have an MRI. You can carry on with your normal routine; you can eat and drink your usual diet, and you can take any prescription medicine you need.

MRI scanner

Areas of the body well suited to examination by MRI include:

• Brain and its blood vessels and coverings Face & Sinuses
• Cervical, thoracic & lumbar spine
• Lungs, Pleura, Chest wall & Mediastinum
• Heart, aorta and other blood vessels
• Liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas and other abdominal organs
• Pelvis & hips
• Musculoskeletal system (joints such as the shoulder, knee and wrist )

You Should Know:

The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and consists of several short scans that last from two to eight minutes each. You’ll be asked to remove your make-up, eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves during the exam. However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field. The technologist will go over these conditions with you before your scan is performed. Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

In most cases, an MRI exam does not require any injections. In some situations, however, a substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast agents are FDA-approved and are considered safe. These are given through a small needle in the arm or hand. Our MRI team interprets more than 6,000 examinations per year. We also routinely provide regular examination slots for scheduled sedation cases with additional sedation services available as needed.

We have the first MRI scanner in the market that provides the comfort of the open system for our patients without compromising image quality. It’s the Siemens Espree high field 1.5 Tesla open MRI . The design of this unit makes it much more comfortable for patients who may be claustrophobic, elderly or larger.

The Siemens Avanto high field 1.5 Tesla MRI offers the same quality images in a short bore unit.