CONVENTIONAL AND OPEN MRI EXAMS PATIENT GUIDE
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR MRI EXAM Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate ways to examine the soft tissue areas of the body. This test has been ordered for you by your doctor to obtain valuable information for early diagnosis and treatment planning. It is a safe, painless and comfortable procedure that uses no ionizing radiation (X-rays). Instead, MRI combines computer technology with magnetism and radio waves to create multiple pictures of the inside of the body. After these images are processed, they are interpreted by a board certified MRI radiologist to detect disease or injury. HEALTH AND SAFETY EFFECTS There are no known negative health effects of an MRI exam. MRI is non-invasive (no tubes or scopes are used) and involves no harmful radiation. For certain tests, an injection of a contrast agent may be necessary to better visualize specific anatomical structures. If this is the case, a simple injection will be given. PREPARATION As a rule, no special preparation is necessary, but just in case, please check with our scheduling staff before your appointment. Also, inform our scheduling staff if you may be pregnant or if you are claustrophobic. On the day of your exam you may eat and drink normally, engage in your regular activities, and take your usual prescribed medications, unless you have been instructed otherwise by our scheduling staff or your physician.
Our scheduling staff will inform you how many minutes prior to your scheduled appointment you should arrive, to allow time for a brief interview with a technical staff member who will ask about your medical history. This screening process is an important safety precaution, so please be patient if we ask the same questions more than once. During the scheduling of your exam, our staff will ask if you have any implanted devices inside your body such as pacemakers, aneurysm clips and stents. Please have as much information about these devices available as possible. DURING YOUR EXAM Before entering the exam room, you will be asked to remove metal objects, such as eyeglasses, dentures, body piercings, rings, or hairpins. Dental fillings, hip replacements, knee replacements and contact lenses are acceptable. Since some clothing contains hidden metallic components (in thread or fastenings for example), we require that patients change into examination clothing that we know has no such metallic material. The magnet can damage the coding on your credit cards and security identification cards, so please leave your purse or wallet in your personal locker. A member of our technical staff will help position you on a padded table that will slide into a scanner, which is open at both ends. A special apparatus may be placed
on or around the part of your body being scanned to better focus the images. Since a patient s movement blurs the images (much like photography), you will be asked to lie still during the actual scanning process. You will notice knocking or humming noises when the scan is underway. This is the sound of the magnetic field being adjusted to generate information about the area being examined. The exam lasts about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number and type of images your physician requested. FOR YOUR COMFORT Almost 99 percent of patients referred for MRI are able to complete their exams. Even if you are uncomfortable in small spaces, our experienced technologists can suggest many techniques to help you relax. Don t hesitate to inform them if you feel anxious. Throughout the examination, even when the technologist is not in the MRI room, he or she will be able to see and hear you and talk with you via a two-way intercom. If you need something or have a question or concern, touch the call button and the technologist will respond immediately. We are happy to play the radio or one of your own CDs while you are having the MRI exam. We have headsets and stereo equipment for this purpose. Earplugs are used to help minimize your awareness of the knocking sounds. Some people fall asleep during their scans. You are welcome to have a family member or friend accompany you during the exam. He or she must pass the MRI screening questions.
GETTING THE RESULTS Your physician will receive your results from our board certified MRI radiologist. Please contact your doctor to review these results. The technologist will not be able to tell you the results of your test. PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE AN MRI OR ENTER AN MRI EXAM ROOM The strong magnetic field can adversely affect some conditions or implanted prosthetic devices. We will screen for these several times during the intake process. Please be patient if several people ask you the same questions. This screening procedure is for your safety. Please notify us if you have: Pacemaker Surgical aneurysm clip of the brain Cochlear (middle ear) implant Neurostimulators Metal fragments (including bullets and shrapnel) Implanted insulin pump Metal particles or chips in your eye Retinal tacks Any other magnetically activated biomedical device, such as a defibrillator, eye implant or ventricular peritoneal shunt
SHOULD I HAVE A CONVENTIONAL HIGH FIELD OR OPEN MRI? The conventional high field magnet is able to produce the highest quality and most detailed images in less time. The open system MRI is designed for people who might not otherwise be able to have an MRI exam at all, such as people who suffer from claustrophobia or very large patients. The appropriateness of the magnet is based on the type of scan the patient requires and other considerations. While both types of magnets have useful applications, the conventional magnet is favored for most patients. If you are severely claustrophobic, your physician may prescribe a sedative to help you relax during your exam. If you choose to take medication, however, you must be accompanied by an adult who can take you to and from your appointment. AFTER YOUR EXAM Since there are no aftereffects with MRI, you may resume your normal activities immediately. Remember, however, that if you have taken any medication for anxiety, you will need a ride home.
MAP TO BEVERLY HOSPITAL MAP TO BEVERLY HOSPITAL AT DANVERS MAP TO NORTH SHORE MAGNETIC IMAGING CENTER, PEABODY
INSURANCE COVERAGE Major health insurance companies cover MRI exams. Check with your insurance carrier to ensure eligibility for reimbursement. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING For more information or to schedule an MRI exam, please call 866-674-0466. You can also visit us on the web at beverlyhospital.org. Beverly Hospital 85 Herrick Street Beverly, MA 01915 978-922-3000 TTY: 978-524-7975 Beverly Hospital at Danvers 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923 978-774-4400 TTY: 978-304-8016 North Shore Magnetic Imaging Center 68 Prospect Street Peabody, MA 01960 866-674-0466 beverlyhospital.org 10139: TPR.5K3/08 Northeast Health System