What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a significant breakthrough in medical technology. This procedure is painless and does not require surgery or x-ray radiation. MRI allows physicians to look inside your body with precision, aiding in early diagnosis of various illnesses and injuries. MRI works by creating a magnetic field, sending radio waves into your body and measuring the response with a computer. This makes a series of detailed images of the inside of your body. The physicians use these images to plan the treatment of injury and illnesses.

Open MRI
“Open” MRI is a revolutionary new design which features the advantages of an easily accessible permanent magnet. We are setting a new standard in patient comfort with our unique extra large opening which allows exceptional airflow and an unparalleled OPEN view around you during your scan. This new state-of-the-art technology, combined with our experienced, caring staff, will make you feel much less enclosed and confined, thus eliminating anxiety or claustrophobic tendencies. The open design also allows a family or staff member to accompany you throughout your exam. Not all patients can be accommodated by traditional MRI systems. However, the Open MRI extra large opening comfortably provides enough room to image patients weighing up to 600 pounds.

Children
Performing exams on infants and frightened children has always presented problems when using conventional MRI systems. But with Open MRI, pediatric patients can be imaged within the comforting reach of a parent or nurse. Ideally, to gain the most cooperation from a child, it is often more effective if a child is tired and, in the case of an infant, hungry. If possible, do not let your child nap before the exam, and bring a bottle to feed your infant upon arrival. Young children should be kept up late the night prior to their exam; and awakened early in the morning on the day of their exam.


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THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Preparing For The Exam
You or your physician should send related previous films to Southern Regional Open MRI prior to the day of your exam. These films will assist the radiologist with the interpretation of your exam. Arrive at Southern Regional Open MRI 15 minutes prior to your appointment for registration. Unless specified by your physician, there is no special diet or fasting necessary.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be greeted by our receptionist and introduced to our staff. Your medical history will be reviewed, and the MRI process explained at the time. You will be required to read and sign specific MRI forms prior to your procedure. In addition to conducting a comprehensive screening procedure – click here for screening form – individuals entering the MR environment must remove personal belongings that may be attracted by the magnetic fringe field of the MR system. The following is a partial list:

    • keys
    • coins
    • jewelry/watches/body jewelry
    • hair pins
    • pocket knives
    • dentures/glasses
    • pagers/cell phones/any electronic devices
    • credit/debit and other cards with magnetic strips
    • external hearing aids
    • clothing with metal (threads, fasteners, zippers or similar metal components
    • Any other metal objects

    You should also advise your technologist if you have any of the following:

    • Aneurysm Clips or Metal Plates
    • Artificial Cardiac Valves
    • Bone or Joint Replacements
    • Metal Fragments from Military or Work
    • Pregnancy
    • Previous Surgery (Brain, Eye, Ear)
    • Patients with cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators cannot be examined with MRI

The Exam
You will be asked to wear a gown or shorts provided by our staff during your exam. A locker will be provided for your clothing, jewelry and other personal items. The MRI exam is safe and painless. The MRI technologist will be talking with you throughout your exam. Feel free to ask questions. During your exam you can listen to a variety of music – you can even bring along your favorite CD. The most important thing for you to do is to relax and lie very still.

You shouldn’t experience any unusual feelings or pain during your MRI scan. Some exams require the use of and injected contrast-enhancing agent. This agent does not contain iodine or radioactive materials and does not require any special preparation. Your technologist will discuss further with you the need for such an injection.

You will lie on a special padded table that will move into the Open MRI for your scan. During the exam you will hear a series of soft knocking sounds that are not harmful in anyway.

The average exam lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, although the actual length of your exam will depend upon your physician’s requests and the number of exams ordered. You may have a fried or relative accompany you into the MRI suite. They too will be screened prior to entering the exam room to assure their safety.

After The Test:
You may resume regular activity, unless otherwise instructed.

Results of your MRI exam are interpreted within 24 hours by our radiologist , experienced in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Normally, exam reports will be faxed directly to your physician. Please inform the receptionist if you have an appointment immediately following your exam and if your physician has requested you bring the films with you to that appointment. You will be asked to wait approximately 10 – 15 minutes while the scan are filmed and processed.

Soteria Imaging Services
American College of Radiology