WHAT IS MRI?
MRI(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.
Saint Luke’s Outpatient
Imaging Center offers 2 different MRI scanners. The most commonly
used scanner is our 1.5 Tesla High Field scanner, which is open
on both ends. For our larger framed or apprehensive patients,
we also have our Low Field scanner, which is open on all 4 sides.
The MRI department is accredited by the
ACR (American College of Radiology).
HOW DOES MRI WORK?
Your body is composed of atoms. Water
(hydrogen) atoms make up most 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 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.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The exam usually takes between 30
and 60 minutes on the high field scanner and usually 60-90 minutes
on the low field scanner. Some MRI exams require an injection
of contrast.
CAN ANYONE
HAVE AN MRI?
Because some metals interfere with
the function of the MRI equipment, certain patients are not
able to have an MRI exam. The following equipment or conditions
may create problems with an MRI. Please call the MRI department
at 816-561-5858 ext. 531 with
concerns about any of the following metals in your body:
- A cardiac pacemaker or pacing wires
- Metal fragments in or around eyes
- Cerebral aneurysm clips
- Inner ear implants
- Implanted neuro stimulator
- Tens Unit
- Certain Metal implants
MRI RESULTS
A board-certified Radiologist will
read your exam. A copy of your report will be sent to your attending
and referring physicians. A copy of your report can be sent
to your home address upon request. A digital record of your
images will be kept at the Imaging Center. You or your physician
can request your images at any time.
WHAT WILL
HAPPEN DURING THE MRI?
There is not a
prep for most MRI exams. (If
you are scheduled for an MRCP you will be asked not to eat or
drink anything for 6-8 hours prior to your exam).
A Registered Technologist from the
MRI Department will interview you concerning your symptoms and
safety issues.
We strive to make you as comfortable
as possible to help achieve the best results. You will be asked
to lie down on the examination table, you will be positioned
either head first or feet first, depending on the type of exam.
The table will slide into the scanner. 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. Our state
of the art equipment allows you to bring your favorite CD to
listen to. You may also pick an FM radio station. Earplugs will
be provided on the High field scanner to protect your hearing.
The technologist will ask you to remove anything metallic, such
as dentures, hearing aids, jewelry, hairpins or articles of
clothing that may contain metal, such as underwire bras. These
items, along with your purse, wallet, keys, pagers, cell phones
or other personal items will be secured in a locker during your
exam. You may be asked to change into a gown, but if you are
wearing sweats or clothing without any sort of metal, you may
not be asked to change.
MRI
Exam prep
