MRI
Staffing, Accreditation, and Equipment
What is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?
MRI is a painless and safe diagnostic procedure that uses a powerful
magnet, 15,000 times stronger than the magnetic field of the earth, and
radio waves to produce detailed images of the body’s organs and
structures. The images produced by an MRI can be compared to a sliced
loaf of bread. Just as you lift each individual slice from
the loaf and see the slice and the inside of the bread, so too the
image of the body can be seen in this manner.
The strength of the MRI magnetic field is described by the term “tesla.” Most clinical MRI machines contain a 1.5 tesla. This stronger magnetic field may provide better detail than conventional “open” MRI machines. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by this giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The information is then processed by a computer, which converts the signal into an extremely clear cross-sectional image of the body.
How Safe is an MRI?
There are no known dangers or side effects connected to an MRI scan for the properly screened patient. Since radiation is not used, the procedure can be repeated without any problems.
As mentioned previously, the MRI consists of a large, very powerful magnet. Screening patients is done in order to identify those who may not be able to safely have an MRI. These patients include those with implanted medical devices such as aneurysm clips in the brain, heart pacemakers and cochlear (inner ear) implants. Also patients with metal in or around an important organ (such as the eye) may not be scanned. Also, certain metal objects such as watches, credit cards, hair pins, writing pens, etc. may be damaged by the MRI scanner or may be pulled away from the body if they are worn in the MRI room. For this reason, patients are asked to remove these objects before entering the MRI scanning room.
The screening process will also determine whether or not the patient’s kidneys will tolerate contrast should the physician order an MRI with contrast. Please refer to “What will I experience during an MRI exam?”
What are the advantages of an MRI scan to other types of scans?
MRI scanners are good for looking at the non-bony or “soft tissues” of the body. In particular the brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen much more clearly with MRI than with regular x-rays and CT scans. Also, muscles, ligaments and tendons are seen quite well which is the reason MRI scans are commonly used to look at the knees, shoulders and all other joints in the body. MRI is also an extremely accurate method for detection of diseases throughout the body. Often surgery can be deferred or more accurately directed after knowing the results of an MRI scan.
MRI is also used to:
- Identify brain tumors
- Reveal brain abnormalities in people with dementia
- Diagnose diseases of the pituitary gland
- Locate eye or inner ear tissue abnormalities
- Detect blood vessel stenosis or blockages
- Identify and diagnose bone and joint damage
- Identify bone and joint infections, injuries, degenerative disorders and tumors
- Reveal tumors and functional disorders in organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidney and spleen.
- Detect breast cancer
What will I experience during the MRI examination?
You will lie on a table that moves to the center of the magnet. Prior to the start of the exam, you will be given earphones to listen to your favorite music or earplugs to reduce some of the “hammering” noises while the scanner is taking your pictures. During the exam it will be very important that you do not move, as this would blur your pictures and the exam must start over again. You may also feel some vibration or the table might move slightly during the exam.
Some patients will be given an injection through an IV in their arm of a contrast agent called Gadolinium when it is necessary to enhance the pictures. This contrast is very safe, but in some instances, depending on your health history, we may require lab work to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly before we give you the contrast agent.
How do I prepare for an MRI scan?
A day or two before your scheduled exam you will receive a call at your home in order to go over screening questions with you. Tell the technologist at this time if you have any electronic devices in your body, such as a metallic joint prosthesis, artificial heart valves, implanted electronic devices, cochlear ear implants or magnets in your dentures. The metal in your body may be a safety hazard or affect a portion of the MRI image. Before an MRI exam, you can eat normally and continue to take your medications, unless otherwise instructed. If you are claustrophobic and think you may need medication to have your MRI exam, you will have to contact your referring physician to obtain the medication before your exam. Please note that the MRI machine at ACMH Hospital has the widest and shortest bore (tube/chamber) available allowing both your head and feet to be out of the bore for the majority of exams. You may be given a gown or pajama bottoms to wear or you can wear clothing without metal fasteners, such as a sweat suit. At this time you will be asked to remove all accessories such as a watch, jewelry, hairpins, wigs, dentures and hearing aids. If you are a metalworker or have ever had metal in your eyes you may need to have an x-ray of your eyes to see if there are any tiny slivers of metal in your eyes, which could move during the MRI and damage your eyesight.
When Will I Get The Results From My MRI?
When the exam is complete a Radiologist reviews the images from your examination and reports the findings to your doctor. After your doctor reviews the report, he/she will then discuss any findings with you.
What Are The Scheduling Hours?
ACMH Hospital MRI Department is open Monday – Friday from 7:00am – 6:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00am – 3:30 pm.
AOIC Imaging Center is open Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. from 8:00 am. – 4:30 pm;
Wednesday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Two Saturdays a month from 7:00am – 11:00 am.
Please be sure to double-check the location of your MRI exam when it is scheduled: AOIC versus ACMH Main Campus.
How Do I Schedule an MRI and Who Can Answer My Questions?
You may call our scheduling department at 724-543-8131 to schedule your MRI exam and if you have any questions you may call the MRI department at 724-543-8570 from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. And we would be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Staffing/Accreditation/Equipment:
Two Registered MRI Technologists staff the ACMH Hospital. The Hospital has the shortest and largest diameter MRI scanner in the industry. It has more headroom, legroom and elbowroom than any other MRI scanner. This scanner was designed keeping the larger and claustrophobic patient in mind but does not sacrifice imaging quality. AOIC (Armstrong Outpatient Imaging Center) is staffed by one Registered MRI Technologist; this scanner also has a short bore (tube) magnet at their facility that produces high quality images. Both facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This organization is comprised of a panel of experts who perform peer reviews every three years to ensure that the imaging is safe, effective and accessible to those who need it and also contributes to a higher standard of care for the patients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why not just get an x-ray?
A: MRIs are used particularly for looking at the non-bony parts or “soft tissues” of the body -- the same types of body parts and tissues that x-ray machines are not designed to image.
Q: Are there disadvantages to an MRI?
A: Aside from those who are claustrophobic or have implanted medical devices that prohibit the use of MRI, there are no known medical disadvantages.
Q: What if I can’t have contrast because of my kidneys?
A: Usually all MRIs can be still performed without contrast, although in some cases, not being able to have the contrast may limit the reading by the Radiologist.
Q: What should I do after an MRI exam that included a contrast injection?
A: There are no special procedures to follow after a contrast injection and you will not experience any side effects from it. You may drink a larger than normal amount of water to help your body flush the contrast from your system.
Q: What is the difference between and MRI and a CT?
A: MRI scanners are good for looking at the non-bony or “soft tissues” of the body. In particular the brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen much more clearly with MRI than with regular x-rays and CT scans. Also, muscles, ligaments and tendons are seen quite well which is the reason MRI scans are commonly used to look at the knees, shoulders and all other joints in the body.