Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in your body. Radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce very faint signals, which are used to create cross-sectional MRI images — like slices in a loaf of bread. The MRI machine can also be used to produce 3-D images that may be viewed from many different angles.

Before entering the MR system room, you and any accompanying friends or relatives will be asked questions regarding the presence of implants and will be instructed to remove all metal objects from pockets and hair. Additionally, the accompanying individual will need to fill out a screening form to ensure that they may safely enter the MR system room.

Before the exam you will be asked to fill out a screening form asking about anything that might create a health risk or interfere with imaging. Items that may create a health hazard or interfere with image quality during an MRI exam include:

• Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
• Catheter that has metal components that may pose a risk of a burn injury
• A ferromagnetic metal vascular clip
• An implanted or external medication pump (such as that used to deliver insulin or a pain-relieving drug)
• A cochlear (inner ear) implant
• A neurostimulation system
• A catheter that has metallic components
• Metallic spinal rod
• Plates, pins, screws, or metal mesh used to repair a bone or joint
• Joint replacement or prosthesis
• Metallic jewelry and body piercings
• Some tattoos or tattooed eyeliner (these alter MR images, and can cause skin irritation or swelling)
• Makeup, nail polish, or other cosmetic that contains metal
• Bullet, shrapnel, or other type of metal fragment
• Metallic foreign bodies within or near the eye (metal workers are most likely to have this problem)
• Dental fillings/Orthodontic braces/Retainers

Once this screening is complete, you will receive a gown to wear during your MRI examination. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with the MRI technologist or radiologist.

With over 30 years of experience, our MRI registered technologists will help you into the correct position on the scanner bed. This bed slides directly into the scanner. Ask for a blanket if you feel a chill. The procedure will take from 20 to 40 minutes depending on your doctor's instructions. After the scan, you can resume all normal activities immediately.