MedCross Imaging LLC MRI Services

• MedCross Imaging – MRI

• PREPARING FOR AN MRI AT MEDCROSS IMAGING

• MedCross Imaging - WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN

MRI/MRA SCAN?

MRI Machine

The MedCross Imaging is proud to offer patients and physicians GE 1.5T High-Field MRI.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetism and radio waves to produce remarkably clear

pictures of your head, spine, or other parts of your body. An MRI scanner consists of a strong magnet with

a radio transmitter and receiver used to gather information from inside your body. MRI produces soft-

tissue images and is used to distinguish normal, healthy soft tissue from pathologic tissue.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a technique for imaging vascular anatomy and pathology that

does not use ionizing radiation. MRA is performed using magnetic resonance imaging machines. The

technical capabilities of MRA make it most suitable for evaluation of medium-to-large size vessels.

Depending on what information your doctor needs, the MR scan may require the use of a

contrast-agent given intravenously to assist in visualization of certain structures in your body.

If you feel anxious about your MR exam, please notify a staff member so that we can arrange

for medication to allow you to relax during your exam.

PREPARING FOR AN MRI AT MEDCROSS IMAGING

Please wear loose clothing without zippers or metallic parts and do not wear any jewelry. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to register, change clothes, if needed, and ask any questions about your exam. You will be asked to complete an MR safety screening form pertaining to your medical history, which your technologist will review with you prior to your scan. Before your exam, you will be asked to remove all: -Jewelry -Watches -Hairpins -Glasses -Wallets

-Other Metallic Objects

Diet Instructions for Special Exams For special MRI exams like MRCP, MRAs of abdomen or renals, MRIs of the liver, pelvis and abdomen, you should not have anything to drink (including water) or eat four (4) hours prior to the exam. Are you having an MRI that uses contrast enhancement? A new policy is in effect to pre-screen certain patients.

Effective June 19, 2011, patients who will be getting an MRI that includes an intravenous injection of a contrast agent called gadolinium may need to have a recent BUN/Creatinine test available for clinical review. Your provider may be asked to order this lab test for you, so that the results are available before your actual MRI scan.

Who needs to be screened? Patients with a history of: Renal disease (including solitary kidney, renal transplant, renal tumor) Age >60 History of Hypertension History of Diabetes History of severe hepatic disease/liver transplant/pending liver transplant. For patients in this category only, it is recommended that the patient’s GFR assessment be nearly contemporaneous with the MR examination for which the GBMCA is to be administered. In addition, any patient who has a history of GFR that is under 40 (within the last 60 days) must have a GFR within 24 hours of the contrasted exam.

MedCross Imaging - WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN MRI/MRA SCAN?

The technologist will position you on the MRI table, and the table will then slide into the scanner. The MRI unit’s feet-first functionality allows your head to remain outside the magnet bore during many exams – with the exception of head or neck scans of course. For clear pictures, you will be asked to hold very still and relax. In some cases, you will be asked to hold your breath. Any movement, especially of your head or back (even moving your jaw to talk) during the scan will seriously blur the pictures Having an MRI scan is quite simple. Depending on the area being scanned, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown. If it is needed, you may also be injected with a special type of MRI dye that enhances the image of the area being examined.

With the assistance of an MRI technologist, you will be positioned on a padded table. The table will then move smoothly into the magnet opening. You won’t feel anything, but will hear a noise as the images are acquired (earplugs are provided). The intercom system allows you to converse with the technologist who will let you know how the scan is progressing. Most exams are completed within 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of study performed. You are welcome to have an adult family member or friend stay with you during the scan.

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