Open MRI

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. Unlike x-ray or CT (computed tomography), MRI does not expose you to radiation. Instead, MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to identify different body tissue and differentiate individual anatomy. This type of imaging can be very helpful in diagnosing injuries or fractures, or in identifying disease in its earliest stages

On the day of your exam, you may be asked some questions to make sure that you’re eligible to undergo the MRI exam. For instance, patients with metallic foreign bodies or surgically implanted devices like cardiac pacemakers and aneurism clips are not eligible. These devices may be adversely affected by the magnetic field. Objects containing ferrous metals will also interfere with obtaining a good MR image. Therefore, it’s advisable to wear clothes without zippers, snaps, or buckles. Or, you may wear special garments provided by the imaging facility.

MRI exams generally take between twenty minutes and one hour. During this time, a series of images will be taken. Each set of images requires several minutes to complete. An intercom system keeps you in two-way communication with the trained medical professional performing your exam.

Try to remain still while images are being acquired. You’ll know that an image is being acquired when you hear a knocking sound. Feel free to relax, when it’s quiet. Once complete, your magnetic resonance images will be processed and sent to your physician who will discuss the results with you

For some MRI examinations, a contrast medium (sometimes called a dye) is given to help highlight a particular area of your body. Depending on the type of exam, contrast medium is administered in a number of different ways. You might, for example, be asked to drink it or it might be injected into a vein.

Prior to your MRI scan, you will be asked a series of questions that will determine if you are a candidate for an open MRI exam. You will be asked, for example, if you have:

• A pacemaker/defibrillator

• Shunts or stents

• Certain implants, such as ear implants, penile implant, breast tissue expanders, or a nerve stimulator

• Bone growth stimulator

• Metal fragments in your eyes

• And a number of other metal- or electronics-related questions

Not all items on the list are dangerous, but some are. If you have a pacemaker, even an MRI conditional pacemaker, you will need to talk to your physician before scheduling an appointment. MRI conditional pacemakers require specific monitoring devices during the exam that can only be done at certain facilities. Other concerns about metal or implants will be discussed during the scheduling process. Once you are cleared for internal metals or potentially hazardous objects, you will be instructed to change clothing to remove zippers, snaps, etc. that may interfere with your exam.

For some exams, females will be required to remove a bra if it has the hook closure and/or underwire. Wearing a metal-free sports bra may be your preference on test day. You will be issued a locker to use during the exam, where you will lock personal belongings for safekeeping during the test. Your purse and/or wallet, keys, phone, tablet, etc. will be placed in the locker with your clothing. Your hearing aids must be removed, as well as your watch. Other jewelry will be removed if it could interfere with the image quality. Not all objects interfere, so detailed instructions will be given, always with your safety as the primary concern.