PATIENT INFORMATION FOR MRI EXAMS

What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging exam that uses a strong magnetic field and computer processing to provide pictures of internal organs and tissues.  MRI is commonly used to image the brain, spine, chest, abdomen / pelvis, vessels, bones and muscles.  Unlike a CT exam, MRI does not involve any radiation (X-rays).

Patient Safety Tips Prior to the Procedure in Radiology

• Because of the strong magnetic field used during the exam, certain conditions may prevent you from having a MR procedure.  When scheduling your appointment and prior to your exam, please alert our staff and technologist to the following conditions that may apply to you. The radiology staff will let then let you know whether you can have the MRI exam and whether the exam needs to be modified for your particular condition.
  • Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy
  • Claustrophobia
  • History of kidney problems
  • Skin tattoos
  • Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
  • Implanted drug infusion device (i.e., insulin pump)
  • Exposure of metal fragments to your eye
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Metallic implants and prosthesis
  • Vascular stent or stent graft
  • History as a metal worker
  • Shrapnel or bullet wounds
  • Dorsal column stimulators
  • Allergy to iodine, or gadolinium
  • History of diabetes
  • Other conditions you believe to be relevant            
• Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen, for they have to be removed prior to entering the scan room. 
• If you don’t want to change into hospital attire, please wear cotton clothing without any metal zippers, hooks, or buttons.
• Please let us know if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
• Please bring a list of your current medications.
• If you have claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with you for your MRI appointment.

Preparation for the procedure

• There is very little preparation for an MRI procedure.  You can go about your daily routine and take any medication you usually take, unless you are instructed otherwise.  The following are the dietary restrictions for MRI exams:
  • Abdomen- no prep necessary, except for MR Enterography and MRCP (see below)
    • MR Enterography-
      patient must not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam.
    • MRCP-
      patient must not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam.
  • Pelvis- no prep necessary
    • Brain- no prep necessary
    • Orbits/Face/Neck- no prep necessary
    • Breast/Chest- no prep necessary
    • Arthrogram- no prep necessary
    • Upper and Lower Extremities, including MR of Shoulder and Knee – no prep necessary
    • Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar Spine – no prep necessary
    • Fetus-
      patient must not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to the exam.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.  You will be required to register at the reception desk and complete an MRI screening form.
• If the clothes that you are wearing have metal fasteners or metallic design, you will be asked to change into hospital attire.  You will be supplied a locker to secure your belongings and valuables.
• A technologist will verify your identification and the requested exam.  Your MRI screening will be thoroughly reviewed by the technologist for any conditions that may be a contraindication for a MRI exam.  If a contraindication does exist, the technologist or a radiologist will explain the issues to you, and provide you with alternative information.

During the procedure

• The duration of the procedure will vary, but the average is an hour per body part.
• You will be placed on the scan table and moved into the magnet, which is a long tunnel like structure, approximately 5 feet in length and 25 inches in diameter.
• The magnet is permanently open on both ends.  It is well lit and there is a fan for patient comfort.  There is also a two way intercom system for communication between patient and technologist.The part of the body being scanned will be placed in the middle of the magnet.
• The part being examined will determine if one is to be placed feet-first or    head first into the magnet.During the actual imaging, you will hear a loud intermittent banging noise.   You will be provided with earplugs or head phones to minimize the noise during the procedure.
• You will be asked to lie still during the actual MR scanning. Depending on the body part that is being examined, you may be instructed to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds.
• The technologist will also be providing you with an alarm button, to be used if it is necessary for you to alert the technologist of any discomfort that you may be experiencing at any point during the imaging procedure.
• Some MRI exams require an injection of intravenous contrast dye called gadolinium. Scans will be performed without the dye and then the dye will be injected into a small vein in your arm. Scans will be performed again after the injection of dye for comparison.
• At the time of the exam the technologist will explain the intravenous dye procedure in greater detail and will also ask you about your allergies and prior sensitivity to contrast agents.
• If you have kidney problems, you may or may not be able to receive the intravenous dye. Before the exam, a technologist or radiologist will discuss with you in detail whether it is appropriate for you receive the dye.

After the Procedure

• If a dye injection is used, the IV is removed from the arm before you go home.
• Allergic reaction from gadolinium dye is extremely rare. However, if you experience symptoms such as rash, hives, or shortness of breath, you should notify the technologist immediately if you are still at the imaging facility, or call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you have already left the imaging facility.
• In the event that sedation is needed (such as for claustrophobia), you will be sent home once awake and alert. If you receive sedation, someone must drive you home.

If you have any questions, please call the scheduling nurse at 415-353-4030.

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