MRI Services

MRI Patient Instructions

Abdominal MRI, Pelvic MRI and MRCP patients should fast for at least 4 hours before the exam.

Patients receiving IV contrast should fast 4 hours before the exam.

Patients with Pacemakers MUST not have MRI examinations.

Please contact us if you have any questions about MRI safety.

MRI Scan

MRI High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI images are formed when signals, emitted by body tissue, are processed by software and turned into clinical images. These signals are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this process and translated into different contrast levels on the image.

A typical procedure averages 30 minutes, or longer depending on the type of information required by your physician. You can help to make your images spectacular by simply relaxing and remaining as still as possible during the exam. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the MRI exam.

During your MRI examination, a technologist will be with you and will be able to see you at all times. For your convenience, an intercom system is built into the MR image machine so that if you need anything, the technologist will be right there.

In certain instances, a contrast agent may be administered to enhance the study. There are no extra precautions if your physician requires this type of study. Consult the physician or technologist if you have any questions.

How an MRI can help your physician

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one form of imaging modality used by physicians to look inside the human body to obtain clinically useful diagnostic information. Incorporating an advanced technology, MRI produces images of the anatomy without the use of radiation required with other imaging modalities such as x-ray and CT scanning.

MRI combines the physical properties of strong magnetic fields with radio waves to produce computer generated soft tissue images within any plane of the body. This widely used imaging technique can be used as a primary diagnostic tool to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis for your physician. In some situations, this procedure can reduce the need for further diagnostic procedures or invasive procedures such as exploratory surgery that may have associated complications.

MRI is a non-invasive procedure with no known side or after effects. The procedure is painless; in fact, you won’t see or feel anything. A faint knocking sound will be heard, which is simply the imaging process in operation.

The benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are many, with new applications continually being developed through on-going research. The procedure is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:

Brain disorders

Traumatic injuries

Eye abnormalities

Spine diseases

Tumor detection

Liver and other abdominal diseases

Knee and shoulder injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders

Facial/Neck abnormalities

Infection

Cardiac malformations

Blood flow and vessel disorders

MRI Screenings

• Brain
• Cerebral Laceration
• Brain & Cerebral Laceration
• Orbits
• Pituitary
• Cervical Spine
• Thoracic Spine

• Lumbar Spine
• Brachial Plexus
• Intracranial MRA
• Carotid / Neck MRA
• Thoracic Aorta MRA
• Abdominal Aorta / Renal MRA
• UE / LE Peripheral MRA

• MRCP
• Pelvis
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Hip / Osseous Pelvis
• Knee

• Ankle
• Foot
• Other
• Neck Soft Tissue
• Chest
• Abdomen