Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Imaging Using Magnets
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your organs and structures inside the body without using radiation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Locations
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Center
Hours
Monday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
State-of-the-Art MRI Technology
We have two state-of-the-art GE Signa 1.5T, v.15.0 magnets.
Preparing for Your Visit
Eat and take your medications as usual
Unless we have given you specific instructions, eat and take your medications as usual.
Wear clothing without metal
Wear clothing that doesn’t have any metal fasteners (zippers, buttons, hooks, snaps) or metallic decorations. Leave any jewelry at home.
Remove loose metallic objects
Remove any other loose metallic objects (hairpins, keys, coins, cigarette lighters) and items with magnetic stripes (ATM/credit cards, ID/driver’s license).
Leave valuables at home
Leave your belongings with your companion or secure your things in one of our lockers.
Tell us about any metal in your body
Also, please let our receptionist or technologist know if you have any metal in your body from surgery or any accidents.
If you have claustrophobia
If you have claustrophobia (fear of being enclosed in a small space) and your doctor has given you anxiety medication for this exam, we will tell you when to take it.
Emergency patients are seen first
Because we are a trauma center, emergency patients may be seen ahead of you, and your wait may be quite long. If so, you’ll be able to reschedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will order an MRI if they feel that this exam is the best way to “see” the part of the body they are concerned with. They may prefer an MRI instead of X-rays, CT, or Ultrasound.
The request will be reviewed by our staff, and your exam will be scheduled according to its urgency. We schedule appointments seven days a week.
- You will lie down on a special table that will slide you into a tunnel about 7 ft. long, and 2 ft. wide.
- With the exception of lower leg exams (knee, calf, ankle, foot), you will be going in head first.
- Because the machine makes loud noises (similar to a jackhammer), you will be given earplugs prior to the start of your exam.
- We will also give you a call button that sounds an alarm if you need to contact the technologist during the exam. The technologist will be outside the scan room.
- Most MRI exams last 30 to 90 min. It is very important to hold as still as you can during the exam.
We will send the results of the MRI exam to the doctor who ordered it in approximately two days.
Because many pictures are taken from many different angles, our doctors (called radiologists) need more time to review them.
Please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the MRI results.
