Advanced Radiology Center And Clinical Laboratory

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What Is a MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a method of obtaining detailed images of the internal body structures without the use of ionizing radiation.

This is accomplished by placing the patient in a magnetic field which produces harmless radio waves when the magnetic field changes. These signals are then picked up by sensitive sensors and transferred to a computer that produces detailed images of the body based on the characteristics of the tissue. This technique is now being used as a primary tool by trained radiologists for diagnosis with no known side effects following an MRI examination.

OUR MRI EXPERIENCE

At Advanced Radiology Centre, we focus on patient comfort and convenience as much as image quality and best medical practices. That is the reason why we acquired MRI machines that are the state-of-the-art in image quality, speed, and comfort.

Our Siemens Aera Wide Open Gantry MRI offers a larger area for the patient combined with a shorter and well-lit interior that provides more comfortable experience. This machine produce less noise and, coupled with a noise-cancelling headphones, allow the patient to listen to their choice of music. This machine offers claustrophobic patients a more successful MRI experience, all thanks to its open gantry style and shorter scanning time that decrease anxiety substantially.

 

How to Prepare for an MRA Scan

Before you receive an MRA scan, the team at Envision Radiology will ask you to fill out a screening form, so we can determine if you have any health risks or other factors that could interfere with the imaging, such as allergies. This form will be reviewed before your screening by your technologist. Also, let us know if you have claustrophobia as we may be able to provide something to help you with this. Here are other things you will do to prepare for your MRA scan:

  • Do not eat or drink for at least four to six hours before the test.
  • Empty your bladder.
  • Change into MR appropriate attire, such as medical scrubs (top and pants) or a hospital gown provided at the facility.
  • Remove all metallic objects, such as hearing aids, jewelry, hairpins and the like.

If you have any questions, consult with the technologist before you enter the MR suite

What to Expect During an MRA Scan

During an MRA, the area of your body being studied is placed inside an MRI machine. You may be injected with contrast dye intravenously before the imaging begins. Then, you will lie on a padded bed that fits into a large, enclosed cylinder. This is what contains the MRI magnets. Throughout the procedure, you will be asked to remain as still as possible as movement can distort the scan. The whole time you’ll be able to talk to the technician via a microphone that is inside the machine.

When the scan is working, the machine will make loud thumping sounds. If you need to block the noise, ask for earplugs or headphones so you can listen to music. The whole procedure usually takes only 30 to 90 minutes, but it can last longer if you had a contrast dye injected.

Common Uses for an MRA Scan

MRA’s are extremely useful as they provide information that cannot be obtained from X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds. Their main purpose is to find issues with blood vessels that may cause reduced blood flow. Some of the most common reasons an MRA is used include:

  • Detecting clots, aneurysms or calcium deposits within blood vessels to the legs, kidneys or other parts of the body
  • Evaluating abnormalities of the brain’s blood vessels, which could include aneurysms, dilation, inflammation or congenital defects
  • Finding stenosis or narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the legs, lungs or kidneys
  • Diagnosing lesions in the carotid or vertebral arteries which could disrupt blood flow to the brain
  • Evaluating patients with stroke symptoms
  • Defining blood supply to cancerous tumors in the brain
  • Detecting aorta narrowing
  • And more

MRI FAQ's

What do I do if I am pregnant? Is MRI safe?

Currently, we scan pregnant patients only when it is considered medically beneficial. Your referring physician and an MRI Board Certified Radiologist will consult with one another and will sign consent forms deeming the MRI as a medically necessary procedure. Your doctor will then discuss the risks and benefits, and you will be asked to sign a consent form at the time of your appointment. The Radiologist will be available to discuss your exam and the risks and benefits of the procedure with you at the time of your appointment if you would desire.

What can I expect before my MRI exam?

Before your MRI exam, you will fill out a screening form asking about anything that might create a health risk or interfere with the imaging. The screening form will be reviewed by your technologist prior to entering the MR suite.

To ensure your safety during your MRI exam, all patients will be asked to change into MR safe appropriate attire (i.e., a gown or scrub suit) provided by the facility. Your technologist will advise you to remove all metallic objects when changing into the approved garments. This includes hearing aids, hairpins, and all jewelry, to include body piercings when possible. Lockers are available to secure your personal items.

Please consult the MRI technologist if you have any questions BEFORE you enter the MR suite.

What is MRI?

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a way to look inside your body without the use of x-rays. It is completely painless. MRI can allow your doctor to see certain types of tissue and can provide very important information about the brain, spine, joints and internal organs. MRI can allow your physician the opportunity for early detection of disease or injuries so proper treatment may be started as soon as possible.

How does MRI work?

Your body is composed of atoms. Water or hydrogen atoms make up 95% of the human body. Usually the hydrogen atoms within the body spin at random. When you have an MRI, you are placed in a strong magnetic field that is up to 8,000 times stronger than that of the earth, which causes these atoms to realign and spin all in the same direction. Like CT, MRI acquires images that are a “slice” of anatomy. Using the magnetic fields and radio waves, remarkably detailed cross-sectional images of the body can be obtained. A computer processes these images to produce detailed pictures of the anatomy.

What is contrast?

In some cases, your doctor may order your test with contrast. This is a fluid that is injected into a vein (usually in your arm). This helps to make certain details on the exam clearer and is routine for certain MRI exams.

What will happen during the MRI exam?

You will be asked to lie down on the examination table on your back. The table will slide smoothly into the opening, and you will be positioned either head first or feet first, depending on the type of exam. Once the exam begins, it is important that you are as still as possible. You will hear “knocking” and “banging” noises, and the hum of the machine. This is all normal and you will be able to talk to the technologist during your procedure. You will be able to listen to the radio, or you may bring a favorite CD, or choose one at our facility.

What if I feel anxious or claustrophobic?

One of the first things we recommend to anyone who thinks they might feel anxious or claustrophobic during an exam is an advanced trip to our facility to actually look at the scanner. We often find that once patients see how wide the opening is and how short the scanner is, their anxiety is eliminated. Remember, MRI scanners have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, and are no longer made with such small, restrictive openings and long “tubes” or “tunnels”.

Our technologists are very skilled at helping you feel relaxed and comfortable during your exam. It often helps to listen to music during your exam. You may have a family member in the room with you if you desire. In very rare instances, a patient may require sedation, which must be scheduled ahead.

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