When you first arrive at the Rogers Magnetic Resonance Center, you will report to the patient reception desk. Here you will check in and complete any paperwork necessary for your exam. Jewelry, watches, coins, keys, and credit cards are incompatible with the magnetic resonance imaging procedure so you will need to leave these items at home or in a locker provided at the Center. These objects can be attracted by the magnet and inhibit radio frequency waves from getting into the body and, thus, produce distorted images. Certain articles of clothing, such as metal zippers, rivets, wires, and belt buckles, are incompatible with the imaging procedure for the same reasons. You will need to leave these items of clothing in the lockers and change into an imaging gown which contains no metal. The scan room is where the MRI magnet is located and is where you will be for your exam. The technologists operate the MRI from the control room.
In addition to the receptionist who greeted you when you arrived, there are many individuals working as a professional team to make your MRI a pleasant experience. An MRI nurse or Physician’s Assistant will take care of your medical needs, including the administration of any medications or contrast agents if required. An MRI Technologist will interact with you during your scan. The technologist will assist you in and out of the scanner as well as operate the scanner. A Radiologist will prescribe imaging sequences used to record the magnetic resonance images, and will read and interpret the images.
When you first lie on the bed of the MRI scanner, the Technologist will position an imaging coil around the portio anatomy being scanned, and then you will be placed in the magnet. Your exam will take from 30 to 60 minutes. You will need to lie still for periods up to 10 minutes at a time while a series of images are collected. You can breath freely during this time (unless instructed otherwise). You may, in some cases, be allowed to move slightly between scans, but not so much that your position changes. The magnet creates a series of repetitive knocking sounds when the magnetic field gradients are turned on and off. This is normal; a pair of headphones or earplugs will be given to damper the sound.
Who cannot have an MRI?
If you have a pacemaker, you should not be imaged because the pacemaker may be damaged in the magnetic field of the scanner. If you have metal filings, shrapnel, or ferromagnetic clips or pins in your body, you probably will not be scanned. These objects could be twisted by the magnetic field and cause serious injuries. Most new surgical metal implants are made of a high quality stainless steel which is non-magnetic. You can be imaged with these. Dental fillings and bridgework are okay.
Other objects which may have been placed inside of your body, or certain medical conditions, may also be incompatible with your MRI exam (such as tattoos or body piercings). The process of identifying these contraindicators is called screening. MRI personnel will ask you many questions, including your weight, to determine if you can safely be imaged.
