What is MRI?
MRI, which is the abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a safe, efficient and painless diagnostic technique, with no known side or after effects, that provides a way of looking inside your body without the use of X-rays. MRI utilizes the physical properties of a strong magnetic field in combination with radio waves to produce detailed computer-generated images of the human body.
What Can I Expect?
Upon arrival at our facility, you can expect to be greeted by courteous staff and treated by knowledgeable technologists who will do their best to make you comfortable and answer any questions you might have about your MRI procedure. Following registration, you will begin your MRI procedure during which you will be lying down on a moveable, padded scanning table. During the procedure you may hear humming or faint knocking sounds produced by the MRI equipment. This noise may be minimized with ear plugs or with music, both of which we can provide. Most procedures last from 30 to 45 minutes depending upon the type of information that your physician has requested. Your technologist will be observing you at all times during your procedure and you will be able to communicate with your technologist at any time during the procedure via an intercom system built into the MRI equipment.
How Do I Prepare For an MRI?
There is generally no special preparation required prior to an MRI. You may eat normally and take your routine physician-prescribed medication unless you are otherwise advised by your physician. We recommend that, for your comfort, you wear comfortable clothing (preferably made of cotton) to your procedure. Clothing with metal zippers, hooks, buttons and snaps will need to be removed. You may also be asked to remove dentures if you wear them. We will provide you with a gown for the procedure but you are also welcome to wear your own sweats, shorts and shirts. You will be asked to leave personal items such as coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, keys and other metal objects in a safe and secure place outside of the scan room.
What is Contrast?
For some procedures, your physician may order an MRI with contrast. Contrast is a fluid that is injected into a vein (usually your arm) that helps make certain details in the imaging clearer.
Can Anyone Have an MRI?
Most people can undergo an MRI procedure. If you are pregnant, you should notify both your physician and our office. Individuals with certain conditions or equipment, as identified below, should not undergo an MRI procedure without first consulting with their physician.
• Pacemaker or pacing wires
• Neurostimulators (TENS unit)
• Metal implants
• Aneurysm clips
• Surgical staples
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Implanted drug infusion device
• Foreign metal objects in eye, shrapnel or bullet wounds, permanent eyeliner
• Previous brain, ear or eye surgery
• Pregnant or breast-feeding
What if I feel claustrophobic or anxious?
If you believe you might feel claustrophobic or anxious about your procedure we encourage you to take an advance trip to our facility to view the MRI equipment. We have equipment with wide openings and we make special effort to cater to large individuals and to individuals whom may feel claustrophobic. We also will allow you to have a friend or family member accompany you into the scan room after they have been property screened.
How Long Will it Take to Receive Results?
Indiana MRI will provide imaging results to your physician within 48 hours from the time of your procedure. To receive the results of your procedure, you should contact your physician’s office. STAT results are available at Physician's request.
Who Interprets the MRI?
A radiologist will interpret your imaging results and will prepare a report of the imaging results. Radiologists, physicians specifically trained to interpret such imaging, will analyze your images and send their report to your referring physician. Your referring physician will then share the imaging report with you.
Do I Need a Physician’s Referral for an MRI?
Yes. Your physician will provide Indiana MRI with the necessary information so that we may perform the most effective and efficient imaging.
