MRI Scan

Your body naturally contains hydrogen atoms. An MRI machine uses powerful magnets to align these atoms. Then it uses radio waves to temporarily displace them. As the atoms return to their normal position, they emit energy. The amount of energy varies depending on the type of tissue in which they’re located. A computer creates an image based on these signals.

An MRI can be helpful for evaluating your internal organs, blood vessels and lymph nodes. Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to diagnose or monitor the treatment of:

• Abdominal or pelvic tumors
• Blood vessel inflammation or malformation
• Bowel inflammation
• Brain and spinal cord injuries and disorders
• Conditions affecting your pancreas
• Liver disease
• Tendon and ligament injuries

At Anna Jaques, we also do full-body MRI scans.

We’ll help get you ready for your MRI exam and work to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Safety Precautions

MRI scans are very safe. But in some cases, you may be unable to have a scan, or we may need to make special arrangements for you. Please notify us right away if you:

• Are claustrophobic
• Are pregnant or think you could be
• Have a cardiac pacemaker
• Have a prosthetic heart valve
• Have a surgical clip, bone/joint replacement or any metal implant
• Have metallic clips or splinters in your eye
• Suffered a shrapnel wound
• Wear an external mechanical device
• Weigh more than 300 pounds
• Work or worked in a metalworking industry or one in which you had exposure to metal dust or splinters

On the Day of Your Scan

Dress in comfortable clothes with no metal zippers or buttons. If wearing a bra, you should wear a sports bra without underwire or metal clasps. Because the MRI machine uses magnets, metal can interfere with your scan. If you arrive with metal on your clothing, we may ask you to change into a hospital gown.

It’s best to leave jewelry and other valuable items at home. You also should remove any patch medications or external mechanical devices unless you’ve been instructed not to by your health care team. Please let us know if this is the case.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If possible, please bring records of past lab work or prior imaging scans.

For the test, you lie on a cushioned table that moves into the MRI machine. In some cases, you may need an MRI with contrast. If so, your technologist will inject the contrast through an IV. The contrast helps certain areas of the body show up better.

The test is painless. But the machine can be quite noisy. You have the option of wearing earplugs or listening to music if you wish. Your technologist will remain in constant communication with you throughout your exam and will provide instructions.

Movement can affect your images, so it’s very important to remain still. In most cases, we can complete the test in 20 to 40 minutes, but some exams take up to an hour. Once your test is complete, you can return to your normal activities.

A radiologist will interpret your scan and provide a report for your doctor within a few days. Your doctor will get the results to you. Results may be available through our patient portal. Only your doctor is authorized to speak with you about your results.