WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
An Open MRI is a very easy and safe procedure. MRI images are formed when a person is placed in a magnetic field and signals are produced and are processed by software and turned into visual clinical images. A typical procedure takes about 30 minutes, depending on the type of information needed by your physician. You will be lying comfortably on your back during the entire procedure - some patients even fall asleep during the exam. You will need to remain as relaxed and still as possible during the imaging process. Remember that an MRI is taking a picture of your body. Just like a photographic camera, if you move, the image will be blurry and may not help your physician. Breathe normally. Once the procedure has started, you will hear a gentle knocking sound that represents changes in the magnetic field. This is a normal part of the imaging process. Many people bring a favorite CD to listen to during the exam.

 

HOW DO I PREPARE?
While in most cases no special preparation is required, we believe the best results are obtained when following a few simple guidelines.

Food & Drink
Under most circumstances, no special preparation is required prior to your MRI exam. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.

An MRCP is a special type of MRI that evaluates the gallbadder, pancreas and drainage pathways. Any food or liquid that you may consume before your MRI is likely to have an impact on the radiologist's ability to interpret your exam. Therefore, we believe the best time to schedule an MRI is in the morning, before you eat or drink anything that day. We encourage you to bring your medications and a light snack to eat immediately after your exam, so your routine is changed as little as possible. If you cannot schedule an early morning exam, we ask that you do not eat or drink anything - not even water - for 6 hours prior to your MRI. Avoid fatty foods such as milk, butter, margarine and coffee creamer.

Clothing & Personal Items
Before you enter the scan room, you will be asked to leave items that may interfere with the magnetic field in a safe locker outside the scan room. Coins, jewelry, glasses, credit cards, hearing aids, keys, hair pins or other metal objects can affect the MRI. You may also be asked to remove dentures. To avoid belt buckles and zippers, you may be asked to wear a medical gown.

Special Conditions
Women who are pregnant, individuals who have had brain, ear, or eye surgeries should consult their physician prior to an MRI, as well as anyone with the following:

  • Pacemaker
  • Neurostimulater (TENS unit)
  • Metal implants
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants
  • Biostimulator
  • Tattooed eyeliner
  • Mechanical heart valves
  • Insulin pump
  • Copper IUD
  • Surgical staples
  • Biomedical implants
  • Vascular clips
  • Shrapnel
  • Transdermal patch
  • Severe anemia
  • Severe claustrophobia

With a few precautions, your MRI exam will be an effortless and extremely safe procedure.
 


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