Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive procedure that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed, high-resolution pictures of organs, soft tissues and bone.

MRI does not use radiation and is a safe and valuable diagnostic tool. Using this advanced technology, physicians are now able to see images of the body in greater detail and detect abnormalities earlier than ever before.

St. Joseph Hospital now gives you more room to relax inside our new, wide-bore MRI, used to help diagnose possible injury or illness. Patients who might find conventional closed MRIs difficult to tolerate, no longer have to sacrifice comfort for the quality images. St. Joseph Hospital’s new MRI unit will provide you with a faster and more comfortable MRI exam. Its powerful magnet also delivers high quality images, so we can provide you with the best diagnosis and highest quality care.

The MRI suite staff will go over all of these items in detail when you arrive for your exam, but please be aware of the following:

You cannot have the exam if you have:

• A pacemaker, or pacemaker wires
• Cochlear implants
• A defibrillator device

Be sure to tell your physician and MRI technologist if you have any of the following:

• Artificial limb
• Any metal pins, parts or implants in your body
• Metal heart valves or stents
• Metal clips (surgical, vascular, aneurysm)
• Intrauterine device or IUD
• Tattooed eyeliner

If you have ever had an eye injury where metal has been removed from your eyes, it is important that you tell your doctor and the MRI technologist before having the MRI scan.

Tell your physician and MRI technologist if you are allergic to any medications and/or are claustrophobic.

There is very little preparation required for an MRI exam. You may continue to take all your required medications. For most MRI exams, you may eat and drink as you usually would.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. You also might be given a hospital gown to change into. You will have to remove all metal objects, including watches, jewelry, hair clips, eyeglasses, etc. An area is provided for safekeeping of your valuables.

An MRI exam is performed by a certified MRI technologist and generally takes less than 45 minutes to complete.

The technologist will review the MRI safety questionnaire with you prior to your exam. They will escort you into the MRI scan room and have you lie down on the cushioned table. You will be positioned for scanning, and the technologist will slowly move the table so that the portion of the body being scanned is in the center of the magnet. The technologist will then leave the room in order to start the exam but will watch you through a window and continuously communicate with you via an intercom.

Visual healing arts and earphones for listening to music are available to help you relax during the test. If you are claustrophobic, please speak with your physician beforehand, as they may be able to prescribe medicine to help you.

As the test is happening, you will hear a fan, as well as thumping and tapping noises, but you shouldn’t feel anything. You must lie completely still in order to get the best possible images. If you need to cough or sneeze during the exam, you can signal the MRI technologist by squeezing the call button.

If contrast medication is necessary for your exam, the technologist will administer it through an IV and then continue with your scan. When your exam is complete, the technologist will return to the room to help you off the table and escort you back to the changing room.

A board-certified radiologist will interpret your MRI scan. The radiologist’s report will then be sent to your referring physician, and they will discuss the results with you.