MRI, or MR, uses a combination of radio waves and a very powerful magnet to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. While MR images are similar to CT, each type of scan is specialized for the specific area of interest. Your health care provider will order the most appropriate exam to meet your diagnostic needs. Be sure to notify your health care provider if you have any metallic objects in your body prior to scheduling an MRI.
High Field MRI and Open MRI
Our MRI department features both 'high field' MRI and 'open' MRI. The high field unit uses a much stronger magnet and the patient lies in a tunnel-like area during the scan. Although claustrophobia is often an issue with patients in many high field scanners, ours is designed with a 'short bore'; meaning the tunnel section is about half the length of typical high field units.
The open MRI scanner is designed differently so there is no tunnel. During the scans, patients have an open area on both sides, and with many studies the patient's head is completely outside the unit. Because the magnet strength is less in an open unit, the scans typically take a longer amount of time to complete.
Registration
High Field MRI: Patients scheduled for MRI exams are required to register in Admissions. Admissions is located through the covered entrance with an EMERGENCY sign on it. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and continue around the curve and park in the ER Parking/Admissions lot (on the right).
Open MRI: Open MRI has designated registration and parking areas. Patients with appointments in Open MRI will go directly there to register. Open MRI is located at the front of the hospital; it has a burgundy canopy and a large sign on the building. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and immediately turn right into the parking lot.
Preparation Prior to Procedure
No special preparation is needed. However, some patients prefer to wear sweat suit-type clothing with no metal zippers, snaps, etc. in order to avoid changing into a hospital gown. If you are not having a cervical spine MRI, you will have the option of listening to music through headphones. You may bring your own CD or tape, or listen to a local radio station. All patients are required to complete a MRI questionnaire form prior to their scan. PATIENTS WITH PACEMAKERS, CEREBRAL ANEURYSM CLIPS, OR OTHER INTERNAL MEDAL OBJECTS CANNOT BE SCANNED WITH MRI due to the strong magnet used to perform these studies (stainless steel and titanium are acceptable).
Length of Procedure
Routinely less than 45 minutes
Post-exam Instructions
Resume normal activity. If you were given contrast, it will pass naturally through your body within a day. There are no side effects associated with this exam.
If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam.
If you have a known contrast allergy, please contact your physician or the imaging location where you are having your exam as soon as possible.
Results of Exam
A radiologist will interpret your exam and a transcribed report will be sent to the ordering physician within 24 hours.
Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.
If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call the radiology department at (423) 787-5100 or e-mail radiology@lmhcare.org at least 24 hours in advance, and your films will be ready for you to pick up.
