Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for an MRI.

MRI is a computer assisted, diagnostic technique capable of gathering and displaying images and other information of the head and body without using ionizing radiation (x-ray). The MRI can produce 2 or 3 dimensional images of a patient's body by using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer.

Patients with the following contraindications will not be eligible for a MRI examination: pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, certain types of vena cava clips or filters, cochlear implants (ear), certain types of artificial heart valves, neurostimulators, certain types of IUD'S and metal in the eyes.

If any of the above contraindications are present, you must inform your physician BEFORE the MRI exam is performed or inform the MRI technologist BEFORE entering the scanning room.

If you are claustrophobic (fear of small places), please inform your physician. He/she will prescribe medication to help you relax for your study.

The day of the exam you may eat normally and take any medications as usual, unless you are for an MRCP(Gallbladder)examination which requires that you are NPO(nothing by mouth) for 6 hours prior to the exam. Please report to United Hospital Center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time for registration. Bring any insurance cards and/or any compensation information required for billing purposes.

Before the exam, you will be asked about your medical history, told about the scanning procedure, and asked to sign a consent form.

You must remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, glasses, wigs, and dentures. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will be positioned lying down on a moveable table that will slide into the magnet. The magnet is a tunnel-like area and is open at both ends. You can communicate with the technologist during the procedure via microphone and a hand held signal device. While in the magnet, you will hear a series of loud knocking noises, which are caused by the internal workings of the magnet. You will be provided earplugs or a headset. It is important that you lie very still during the test for the best quality images.

A contrast medium called Gadolinium will possibly be injected at the discretion of the Radiologist.

LENGTH: Approximately 45 minutes

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist
BEFORE your exam.