These conditions may not exclude you from having an
MRI scan, but they'll be important determining
factors.
Please be prepared to provide information on your
insurance and medical history. We'll be happy to
discuss all aspects of your MRI exam and answer any
remaining questions you may have at that time.
The Day Of Your MRI
Your first task for this day is simple: Relax.
Typically you can eat normally and take prescribed
medication the day of your MRI exam. If you are having
an examination of the abdominal area your physician
may request that you abstain from eating prior to your
scan.
For your personal comfort and enjoyment, you may
like to have someone accompany you. He or she may be
able to sit and talk with you during the exam.
You may also want to bring your own CD or DVD. All
of our systems at MRI Center of Idaho, and many of our
MRI Mobile units, are equipped with stereo headphones.
Some have visual-entertainment goggles as well. We
also have a library of CDs and/or DVDs that you can
select from when you arrive.
We recommend you wear comfortable clothing, free of
snaps and zippers. Since rings, watches, and earrings
are all metal, and thus, could interfere with your
scan, you may decide to leave them at home. Otherwise,
we can provide safe storage for these items during
your exam. The choice is yours.
When You Arrive
Plan on arriving 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled
appointment. Your technologist and/or patient care
associate will discuss the procedure with you at that
time. If you would like, you may also have an
opportunity to select a CD or DVD from our
entertainment library. The availability of an
entertainment library varies by location. Please call
ahead if you would like to confirm whether this option
will be available to you.
Starting The Scan
To begin the examination, a technologist will help you
lie down on a padded table. You will be positioned so
that the part of your body to be examined lies in the
center of the machine. A coil may be attached to the
part of the body to be scanned, and your physician may
request that a contrast agent be injected (to enhance
the images). The table will then slide into the center
of the MRI machine.
During The Scan
Our MRI systems have spacious and well-lit openings at
both ends, and during the scan you may be able to
listen to a CD or watch the DVD you selected. You will
be asked to hold still for short periods of time while
the scan is in progress. Expect to hear a loud
knocking noise from the machine as the pictures are
taken. The technologist who will be monitoring the
exam from an adjoining room will be able to hear you
and talk with you at all times.
After The Exam
When the scan is complete, your technologist will help
you leave the table. In most cases, you may return to
your normal activities immediately after the
procedure.
With The Radiologist
A radiologist who is a specialist in MRI will then
interpret your images. The radiologist will make an
expert interpretation of the image and prepare a
written report to be sent to your referring physician.
With Your Physician
Your personal doctor will review the findings of the
MRI in the context of your overall condition and
discuss them with you. Based on the interpretation and
findings, you and your doctor will plan your
treatment. Your doctor may choose to monitor your
progress with another MRI scan.
