WHAT DOES THIS ACCREDIDATION MEAN TO YOU?

ACR accreditation assures that you are getting high quality images from our GE 1.5 HiSpeed Horizon LX MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment. Our MRI is patient friendly with a shorter length and wider opening than traditional units which helps eliminate claustrophobic sensations. ACR accreditation ensures accurate results for all of our patients.

HOW DOES AN MRI WORK?

MRI scanning uses a magnetic field/radio waves to differentiate body tissues and types. Each type of tissue bone, muscle, ligament etc., responds uniquely to the radio frequency pulse administered. The MRI system converts these differences into a computerized image and the result is a clear detailed picture of thee area of interest.

ARE WE IMAGING YOUR ENTIRE BODY?

Your physician sends a script (order) to us for a particular concern. For instance if you are having headaches, your physician may order an MRI/MAA to evaulate an area of the brain. They send Advanced Radiology an order requesting an MRI of the brain and we only image that particular part of your body.

HOW LONG WILL MY EXAM TAKE?

Most procedures completed in the MRI at Advanced Radiology take approximately 30 minutes. However, depending on the procedure or the use of contrast it can take up to an hour and a half.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME TO MY MRI EXAM?

It is helpful if you bring any prior MRI’s, CT’s, or x-ray scans of the area that we will be scanning. Those films will be reviewed by the radiologists and compared with your new MRI films.

WHAT DOES USING CONTAST MEAN?

Contrast is a special dye that is sometimes used to enhance images. It is different than the contrast agent used during a CAT scan. If you are told a contrast agent is required for your exam, please tell your technologist or physician at Advanced Radiology if you have any of the following:

o If you have asthma or other allergic respiratory disorders
o If you have anemia or any diseases that affect red blood cells
o If you are breast feeding
o If you are pregnant or think you might be

WHAT IF I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC? CAN I BRING SOMEOENE WITH ME?

If you would feel more comfortable with someone in the scanning room during the study, you can always bring a friend or family member they must be screened to be in the MRI Room. They can sit next to you and we will provide you both with headphones so you can listen to the same music. If you would rather spend the time alone in the scanner, we will give you head phones so you can play your favorite music relax and fall asleep. There is no need to worry about safety during the exam because you are constantly monitored while you are in the scanner. The technologists can see you and speak to you through an intercom.

WILL I HAVE TO HOLD STILL DURING THE MRI EXAM?

It is important that you lie still during scan time for image clarity. If you are in pain or have difficulty holding still, talk to the technologists. They will tell you if and when you maybe able to move between sections of your scan. You may also tell your physician you are worried about your pain keeping you from lying still. Your physician may prescribe something for pain to help you through the scan.

AM I ALLOWEED TO EAT AND TAKE MY MEDICATION BEFORE MY MRI?

Yes you may eat and take our medications.

IS THERE A REASON I CAN’T HAVE A MRI EXAM?

You will complete a screening questionnaire when you arrive at Advanced Radiology. It will ask if you have any of the following:

o Pacemaker
o Aneurysm clips in the brain
o Inner ear implants
o Metal fragments in an eye
o Implanted spinal cord stimulator

If you know you have any of these items in your body, please call thee center before you arrive for your exam. Some of the above may be permissable, however it is necessary to screen for these items. Call Advanced Radiology of Columbia with questions at: 573-442-1788.