MRI

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In some cases, patients may need sedation. If

a patient has claustrophobia or experiences

anxiety, they should discuss this with their doctor

prior to their appointment. The doctor may

prescribe a mild sedative or request that you

be sedated. If you are being sedated, please

remember that you must arrive one hour early for

your appointment, bring someone with you that

can drive you home, and bring a list of current

medications you are taking.

MRI CONTRAST For some MRI scans, a contrast agent,

Gadolinium, may be used to enhance the pictures

that are being taken. The contrast is usually

injected into a vein in your hand or arm. Your

doctor will determine if contrast is needed for

your exam.

AFTER YOUR MRI You can resume normal activities after your exam.

A radiologist will review your images and forward

the findings to your doctor usually within 24 to 48

hours.

SCHEDULING To schedule an appointment, please call

(843) 402-5000.

Most MRI procedures will last 25 to 45 minutes.

In order to ensure that you receive the best

possible study, it is very important to remain

still during the entire procedure. You will hear

a slight to moderate banging noise while in the

MRI scanner. This is normal and you will be given

earplugs to lessen the noise.

IS MRI SAFE?MRI has been shown to be extremely safe as

long as proper safety precautions are taken.

Patients are carefully safety screened during the

scheduling process and again upon arrival on

the day of the exam to ensure safety in the MRI

environment. You will be asked to fill out an MRI

Safety Screening Questionnaire when you arrive

for your appointment.

PREGNANCY Please let us know if you think you may be

pregnant. Pregnant patients should not be

scanned unless there is a serious medical

condition that warrants the MRI exam.

CLAUSTROPHOBIA Our MRI team is very experienced in recognizing

and intervening when there are signs of

anxiety and claustrophobia. Some of the

accommodations we provide include patient

education, headphones for music, a squeeze bulb

to use if you need to contact the technologist

during the scans and an intercom inside of the

scanner in order for you to communicate with the

technologist.

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the

safest tools available to look inside the body. MRI

uses strong magnet and radio waves to construct

detailed images that are used to help in the

diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions.

Exams Performed

Abdomen and pelvis

Central nervous system including brain and spine

Orthopedic studies including bones, joints

and arthrograms

Blood vessels

Heart

Breast with 3-D computer aided diagnosis

MRI RESTRICTIONS Nearly everyone can have a MRI; however there

are some implants that can cause a potential risk.

For your safety let your doctor know if you have

any of the following:

Cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator

Cerebral aneurysm clips or coils

Cochlear implant

Other metal or electronic device

Metal fragments in your eyes

THE DAY OF YOUR MRI You may eat, drink and take your medications

as usual the day of your exam, unless instructed

otherwise. Please try to arrive 30 minutes early

for your exam in order for us to review your

medical history and safely prepare you for the MRI

procedure.

When you arrive for your procedure, a dressing

room will be provided so you may safely secure

these items that are not allowed in the MRI room:

Hair/ Safety Pins

Jewelry/Watches

Hearing Aids

Pocketknife

Keys

Wallets

Any other metallic or electronic devices

A MRI technologist will escort you to the dressing

room and review all information with you before

beginning your procedure. The technologist will

answer any of your questions and thoroughly

explain your procedure to you at this time. You

may be asked to change into a gown prior to the

examination. Your eyeglasses and dentures can be

worn into the scan room, but the technologist may

ask you to remove them before your exam.

DURING YOUR MRI The technologist will escort you into the scan room

and position you appropriately on the scan table

according to the type of exam you are having.

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