Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A technologist will escort you into the MRI scanning room, where you’ll see a table and a large, donut-shaped device called a gantry. The technologist will have you lie on the padded table and make sure that you’re comfortable. You’ll be asked to lie very still during the scan and hold your breath for a short time to minimize any body movement.

During the scan, you might hear a humming or buzzing noise, but you will not feel anything unusual. You may feel the table move while images are being taken at certain locations of your body. The technologist will monitor you during the entire exam through a window and will communicate with you through an intercom.

The specific details of your upcoming examination will be explained fully by an MRI technologist or your physician.

The actual scan portion of the exam takes only a few moments. You will be asked to stay still and hold your breath as the MRI scanner acquires images of your body. Depending on the specific exam, the entire exam may take up to 30-45 minutes, as your images are reviewed and a diagnosis is made.

Depending on the exam, a solution called “contrast” may be administered with an IV to help improve what the physician can see. Although contrast for MRI does not contain iodine, it is still important to let your doctor know beforehand if you have specific allergies. In addition, the technologist may hook you up to an ECG monitor.

Your images will be carefully analyzed and your physician will be provided a report for his or her review. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.