Are there any
reasons I should not have the scan done?
If you have had any brain, eye, ear, or other
surgeries you should make your physician and the
MRI Technologist aware. There are potential
harmful effects associated with some metallic
objects in a magnetic field. If you have any of
the following, please let us know:
Metal implants
Surgical staples
Foreign metal objects in eye or removed from
the eye
Work history as a machinist or work experience
with sheet metal
Shrapnel, bullets, or bullet wounds
Tattoos
Intrauterine devices (IUD)
An MRI is not for you if you have the following:
Pacemaker
Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
Implanted drug infusion device
If you are pregnant please notify the
technologist.
How do I prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is needed. Eat normally
and take medication as usual, unless you have
other instructions from your doctor. You may
find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking
coffee or other caffeinated beverages before the
exam.
How long does the MRI scan take?
Depending on the type of study being done, the
exam will last from 30 to 60 minutes.
Are there any risks?
Magnetic resonance imaging is very safe. There
are no health risks with the magnetic field or
radio waves used by the machine, however, some
special circumstances limit the use of a
magnetic field. It is important for you to tell
us if any of the following apply to you (these
also apply to anyone that may plan to accompany
you into the exam room):
Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
Metal plate, pin, or other metallic implant
IUD
Insulin pump or other infusion pump
Aneurysm clips
Previous gun wound
Inner ear implant
Metal working
Permanent eye liner or other tattoo
Any metallic substance on your person can affect
the quality of the diagnostic image. It can also
cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in
the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the
exam.
Also, be sure to tell us if you think you may be
pregnant.
What is an Open MRI?
Our MRI is considered to be an open machine
because it has a clear, unobstructed space on
three sides. You can see and talk to our staff
during the exam. The openness of the machine
makes the experience more pleasant for most
patients. Triad is proud to offer the only truly
OPEN high-field MR in Greensboro. With this
equipment we are able to offer comfort during
the scan as well as quality diagnostic studies.
What is the MRI exam like?
The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and
consists of several image exposures lasting 10
to 15 minutes each.
Youll be asked to remove your make-up,
eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards,
dentures, hearing aids, and any metallic objects
you are carrying. The technologist will then
help you lie down on a cushioned table. A device
called a coil will be placed over or under
you. It helps the MRI system create a clear
picture of your body. When you are comfortably
positioned, the table will move under the
magnet. The technologist will then step into the
control area and stay in constant contact with
you both visually and through an intercom.
As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled
thumping sound for several minutes at a time.
Other than the sound, the MRI creates no bodily
sensation. Relax and lie as still as possible as
movement during this time will blur the image.
When the exam is done, the technologist will
help you off the table.
Will I feel anything during the scan?
The MRI scan is completely painless and
comfortable. Occasionally, an injection of a
solution called contrast material may be used to
better visualize the area of interest as
specified by your physician. The contrast
material used during an MRI scan typically has
no side effects.
