What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique used in medical setting to produce high-quality images of the inside of the human body. At St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, we offer a patient friendly, short bore, 1.5 tesla high field strength state-of-the-art MRI system.

Preparation

While there is no preparation required for this particular imaging technique there are contraindications that should be considered.

You CANNOT have a MRI if you have any of the following:

• A Pacemaker
• Aneurysm Clips
• Cochlear (ear) implants
• Cardioverter defibrillators
• If you have any metal in your body (e.g. artificial joints, metallic valves, shrapnel) you must inform us upon scheduling your appointment. Depending on what the metal is you may not be able to have this type of exam.
• Some patients are claustrophobic and are anxious about having this exam. At St. Mary's Hospital at Amsterdam, the rate of patients unable to complete this exam due to claustrophobia is only 1 out of 200 patients. For some patients, your physician can order a mild sedation. In such cases, you must be accompanied by a person who will drive you home.

The day of your exam

• Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time so that you may complete the registration process.
• Once the registration process is complete, you will be directed to the Medical Imaging Department and a certified MRI technologist will explain the exam to you. You will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire that the Technologist will review with you.
• Prior to your exam it is necessary for you to remove all metallic objects (e.g. jewelry, glasses, clothing with zippers) and put on a patient gown.
• If your exam requires contrast, the technologist will explain the procedure to you
  and you will then be asked to sign a consent form prior to the administration of the contrast.
• You will be placed onto the exam table and moved into the scanner. During the exam you will hear a knocking or thumping noise but we will provide you with earplugs or earphones for your comfort.
• During the exam you must lie still so that the technologists can obtain the images. There is a microphone inside of the unit should you or the technologist need to communicate with each other.
• Most exams take between twenty (20) minutes to forty (40) minutes from start to
  finish.

Once your exam is complete you may leave and your results will be forwarded to your physician to explain to you.