An MRI can help diagnose a wide range of conditions by providing detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Some common conditions that an MRI can help detect or evaluate include:
MRI is a versatile tool that provides detailed, high-resolution images of soft tissues, making it invaluable in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical conditions. It can also help guide treatment planning and monitor the effectiveness of treatments over time.
While MRI is generally considered safe for most people, it is not suitable for everyone. There are certain conditions or circumstances where MRI may not be recommended or requires special precautions. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Yes, in most cases, you will need a referral from your doctor to schedule an MRI. Here’s why and how the process typically works:
For most people, a referral from a doctor is required to schedule an MRI. This ensures that the procedure is medically necessary and often facilitates insurance coverage. Always check with your healthcare provider or the MRI facility to confirm the specific requirements in your area.
The duration of an MRI scan can vary depending on several factors, such as the area being imaged, the type of MRI being performed, and the patient’s ability to remain still. However, most MRI scans typically take between 20 to 45 minutes.
Yes, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can help detect cancer, although it is typically used in combination with other diagnostic methods for a comprehensive evaluation. MRI is particularly useful for detecting certain types of cancers, assessing the extent of cancer, and guiding treatment decisions.
In MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), the term “MRI zones” refers to the areas around the MRI machine that are divided based on the strength of the magnetic field and the potential risks associated with it. These zones are designed to ensure patient safety and control access to the strong magnetic field. Here’s a breakdown of the zones and which is considered the safest:
Description: Zone 1 is the area outside the MRI suite, where the general public is allowed to enter without restriction. This zone is typically a waiting room or reception area where patients and visitors do not come into contact with the MRI’s magnetic field.
Safety: Zone 1 is considered the safest because it is outside of the MRI’s magnetic influence. There are no risks related to the magnetic field in this zone, and there are no concerns about metal objects being attracted to the MRI machine.
Access: Anyone, including those who are not involved with the MRI procedure, can safely be in this zone.
Description: Zone 2 is the area just outside the MRI room, often considered an interface zone where patients, staff, and visitors prepare to enter the MRI suite. This area is where screening for metal objects and other safety checks occur before entering the more restricted zones.
Safety: Zone 2 is also relatively safe as long as individuals do not enter the MRI room with any metal or electronic items that could be affected by the magnetic field. It is essential for everyone in this zone to be screened for safety before moving further into the MRI suite.
Description: Zone 3 is the area where the MRI machine is located and where the magnetic field is strong enough to pose potential risks. Only authorized personnel, patients undergoing the MRI, and individuals who are properly screened and trained should enter this zone.
Safety: The magnetic field in Zone 3 is strong, and it can attract ferromagnetic objects (such as metal tools, jewelry, and even some medical implants), which can be hazardous. People with implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants) or metal fragments should not enter Zone 3 without medical clearance.
Access: Strict controls are in place, and only MRI staff or properly authorized individuals (after being cleared) are allowed in this zone.
Description: Zone 4 is the room where the MRI scanner is located. This is the area with the strongest magnetic field, and it is highly restricted. No unauthorized persons are allowed to enter Zone 4.
Safety: Zone 4 is the most dangerous zone in terms of the magnetic field, as it can cause strong magnetic interactions with metal objects, leading to injury or damage to both equipment and people. Only patients undergoing an MRI scan and authorized MRI staff with proper screening should be allowed in this zone.
Access: Entry is highly controlled, and patients are usually instructed to remove all metallic objects before entering this zone.
The safest MRI zone is Zone 1, as it is outside of the MRI suite and magnetic field. Zone 1 is for the general public and does not carry any magnetic field risks. In contrast, Zones 3 and 4 are the areas where the magnetic field is the strongest and can pose safety risks if proper precautions are not followed. Zone 2 is an intermediate area, where safety checks and screenings are done before entering the stronger magnetic fields. Always follow safety protocols and the guidance of MRI staff when entering an MRI facility to ensure your safety.
No, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) does not use radiation. Instead, it relies on a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and advanced computing to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
Pregnancy: You can have an MRI during pregnancy if medically necessary, especially after the first trimester. MRIs without contrast agents are preferred.
Breastfeeding: MRI is safe while breastfeeding, and no special precautions are typically required, even if a contrast agent is used.
Always inform your doctor or MRI technician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so they can make the best recommendations for your specific situation.
Yes, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is generally safe for children. It is a non-invasive imaging method that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body, without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation (like X-rays or CT scans).
Preparing for your MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan ensures a smooth and safe experience. Below is a guide to help you get ready:
Remove all metallic objects before the scan, including:
Notify the MRI staff if you have any of the following:
Let the staff know if you are:
Preparing for your MRI involves wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding metal, informing the staff about any medical devices or conditions, and following any specific instructions from your provider. Proper preparation helps ensure your MRI is safe, comfortable, and successful.
Whether you can eat or drink before your MRI depends on the type of scan and whether a contrast agent will be used. Here’s a general guide:
Abdominal or Pelvic MRI:
Sedation or Anesthesia:
For your MRI appointment, it’s essential to wear clothing that is safe and comfortable while avoiding items that could interfere with the magnetic field.
Yes, you must remove all jewelry and other metal objects before undergoing an MRI. This is crucial for your safety and to ensure the accuracy of the imaging.
Before your MRI, you’ll be asked to remove:
In most cases, you can take your regular medications before an MRI scan. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of MRI being performed and whether sedation or contrast agents are involved. Always check with your doctor or the imaging facility for specific instructions.
To schedule an MRI, you can submit an online form on our Schedule Your MRI page and a representative will be in contact with you soon.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an MRI appointment, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
Check any documentation, emails, or texts you received about the appointment.
Look for cancellation or rescheduling policies, including deadlines or fees for last-minute changes.
Call the facility directly using the contact number provided in your appointment confirmation.
If the facility offers online scheduling, check if you can make changes through their portal.
Have your appointment confirmation number, the date and time of the scheduled MRI, and your personal details (e.g., name and date of birth) ready when you contact them.
Inform them of your availability to find a new date and time that works for you.
Be flexible if your preferred times are not immediately available.
Ask for a confirmation of the change, whether via email, text, or phone.
Note any new appointment details and update your calendar.
Cancel or reschedule as soon as possible to avoid fees and allow someone else to take your original slot.
If you’re rescheduling, confirm any necessary preparations, like fasting or specific clothing requirements, for the new date.
If you’re unable to cancel in advance due to an emergency, inform the facility as soon as possible. They may be understanding of the situation.
MRI machines are quite loud, producing noises that range from about 70 to 110 decibels, depending on the type of scan and the machine’s settings. This noise level is similar to the sound of a vacuum cleaner at the lower end and a rock concert or jackhammer at the higher end.
The noise comes from the vibrations caused by powerful magnetic gradients switching on and off rapidly during the imaging process. These sounds are unavoidable due to the physics of MRI technology.
Yes, ear protection is usually required. Most MRI facilities provide:
If the noise is still bothersome even with ear protection, let the technician know—they can adjust the setup to improve your comfort.
For people sensitive to noise or feeling anxious, discussing options like a sedative or an open MRI scanner might help.
The ear protection is highly effective, and while the sounds can be surprising at first, many people find them tolerable once they adjust.
Yes, many MRI facilities allow patients to listen to music during the scan to make the experience more comfortable and less stressful. However, whether you can bring your own headphones depends on the specific facility and its equipment. Here’s how it typically works:
To ensure mom and baby are safe, please get cleared by your OB. Once cleared (with appropriate documentation), you can get scanned.
Yes, but imaging will depend on where the bolts are and where your physician ordered imaging. The bolts are not going to move due to the magnet but the images can be compromised. An X-ray may be needed if images are requested for an area with bolts.
Yes, IF you are cleared by the radiologist. You must first get an X-ray and then the radiologist will read it to determine if it is safe to get an MRI.
Yes, copper IUDs will not cause issues to the patient or images. However, there are a few stainless-steel IUDs. If you have one, please let a technician know as these have not been tested in MRI scanners and could cause you harm.
Possibly. Please have your implant card with you to be cleared by a technician. Some implants are safe in the machine, but some may require specific instructions for the techs to follow to keep you safe.
NO. There is a possibility the aneurysm clip is metal. Going into the machine can move or heat up the metal, causing severe injury or death.
NO. The magnet in the MRI machine can stop or ruin the mechanics of the pacemaker, thus causing possible injury or death.
Yes, if the catheter is removed. Please make the scheduler aware of the catheter to avoid an inconvenience to the patient.
Yes, but please let the scheduler know. We can send in a request to your referring physician to prescribe Ativan or such in time for your MRI appointment. We ask that you arrive an hour prior to your appointment so that you can prepare before taking the Ativan, which can take about an hour to take effect.
Yes, this kind of contraception is made from silicone so it will not affect the images or the patient.
Yes, dental implants and crowns are permanent and there is no possibility of harm to the patient once the scanner is active.
Yes, you will be asked to remove it prior to entering the scanner.
Yes, in most cases, you can have an MRI with a heart stent, but it depends on several factors. Modern heart stents are typically made of materials such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, or platinum-chromium, which are considered MRI-compatible. However, certain precautions and considerations are essential:
While MRI is generally safe for patients with stents, always follow your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Yes, but it must be removed before going into the machine. To avoid any inconvenience, please make the scheduler aware of the pump so they can advise you to remove it before the appointment time.
Yes, you will be asked to remove it prior to entering the scanner. Please make the scheduler aware so as to avoid any inconvenience.
Yes, dental braces can safely go into the scanner. Please let the scheduler know because these kinds of braces have a significant amount of metal and can distort images of the head and neck.
