SERVICES - MRI

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging as it is referred to, is a patient examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body. It is painless and extremely safe because no radiation is used.

What Will The Exam Be Like?

You will be met by your MRI technologist who will be performing your examination. This technologist has completed a rigorous course of education and training, and works under close supervision of the radiologist to assure the most accurate results from your examinations.

Next, your technologist will position and gently secure you on the imaging table. It's important that you be secured, because even the slightest move during the exam can blur the image and result in the need for repeated scans.

When you and your technologist are ready the examination table will be moved into the MRI unit, which is a small air-conditioned chamber. Your technologist will have you in full view at all times and be in constant communication via two-way microphones. You won't feel a thing, but you may hear the hum of the equipment as the images are being produced. Some people find the small size of the chamber disconcerting, but the vast majority are able to go through the procedure without difficulty.

You may be given a contrast medium to highlight a particular part of your body. The contrast medium outlines less dense, hollow vessels and organs for visualizations.This medium is eliminated within a few hours or a day or two depending on the area under examination and the type of contrast medium utilized.

How Long Will The Exam Take?

The exam usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Time may vary significantly,
depending on the nature of the study and other factors.

How Will I Learn The Results?

The Radiologist will study your exam and consult with your doctor. Your
doctor will then meet with you to discuss the results.

What Is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI as it is referred to, is a patient
examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly
accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body. It's painless and
extremely safe because no radiation is used.

Aided by a computer, MRI is able to produce an image of bone and soft
tissue from many different body angles or planes. This enables your
radiologist to quickly and precisely diagnose a wide variety of conditions.

Remember:

Tell your doctor or technologist, if you are:

• Pregnant or think you may be; have had surgery or suffer from claustrophobia.
  
  
• Have metal implants, joint replacements or if you wear a pacemaker. This
  is very important!

You should also:

• Wear comfortable clothing.
  
  
• Avoid wearing jewelry and eye make-up - metallics may interfere with the
  accuracy of the film image.

Be sure to ask any questions relating to your examination. They will help
the evaluation.

Questions You May Have:

This page is intended to serve as a simple guide. It can never replace the conversations you have with your personal physician. It is not a substitute for professional care.

Published for you by The St. John Companies

Lock Box 800460, Santa Clarifa, CA, 91380
Phone Free: 1(800) 435-4242 .
Fax Free: 1 (800) 321-4409
CAT. NO. PM-MRI

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