Services and FAQ

IBJI MRI Services provides testing at eight facilities. This FAQ section may help to answer your questions about MRI testing.

What is an MRI?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is an established medical procedure that can quickly help your physician diagnose your condition or injury. Painless and non-invasive, MRI causes no known side effects and does not use radiation. Rather, MRI uses magnetic forces to obtain detailed images of structures within your body.

Why is MRI important?

MRI can provide your physician with images of body structures that may otherwise not be seen. Your physician can use the information gained from these images to detect disease or injury and effectively make treatment decisions.

What parts of the body can be viewed with MRI or related tests?

Brain – including eye sockets and brain stem
Spine – cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections – and neck soft tissue
Upper joints and extremities, including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand
Lower joints and extremities, including hip, knee, ankle and foot
Pelvis
Internal organs
Blood vessels in the brain and neck

Two related tests, MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) and MR arthrography, use the same technology as MRI. MRA produces detailed images of blood vessels. MR arthrography provides pictures of joints and the spaces within them.

What happens during an MRI scan?

The MRI procedure takes only 45 to 60 minutes to complete. Each procedure usually includes several sets of scans, with each taking five to ten minutes.

As a patient, you will lie on a comfortable table within the interior of the MRI scanner, which is lighted and ventilated for patient comfort. The scanner produces a gentle pulsing or tapping sound during the imaging process. Throughout the procedure, you will be in contact with a registered MRI technologist via intercom.

It is important to remain as still as possible while the scanner is working so that it can capture the clearest possible pictures. For your comfort during the procedure, we can play your choice of music from your favorite radio station, CD or iPod.

How do I obtain the results of the MRI scan?

Your MRI images are transmitted digitally in a secured network to a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in interpreting MRIs and other medical images. Within one business day after your MRI exam is completed, the radiologist will produce a report with the results for your physician. Your physician will then contact you to discuss your results. Your physician is the only person authorized to discuss your MRI results with you.

Can anyone undergo an MRI exam?

An MRI is completely safe and painless; however, individuals with certain conditions that may interfere with an MRI either should not undergo a MRI or need to make special arrangements prior to the exam. Please inform us immediately if you have:

A cardiac pacemaker. You cannot have an MRI. Please contact your doctor to arrange for an alternate type of imaging.
A prosthetic heart valve.
A surgical clip or any metallic implant.
Aneurysm clips.
Cochlear implants.
Neurostimulators.
Held a job in the metalworking industry or where you may have been exposed to metallic dust or splinters.
Suffered a shrapnel wound.
Metallic chips or splinters in the eye.
Been told you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant.

When is contrast agent needed?

In some cases, your doctor may order a contrast agent to produce higher image resolution that aids the radiologist in the interpretation of the MRI scan. The contrast agent is a fluid consisting primarily of water that is injected intravenously into an arm vein. Prior to receiving the contrast agent, you will be asked about allergies to contrast media, previous reactions to contrast agents, and other questions about your personal health history.

What if I am claustrophobic?

If you have claustrophobia or anxiety, please discuss these conditions with your doctor prior to your MRI appointment. Your doctor may recommend taking a mild sedative before your procedure or having your procedure performed in an open MRI rather than a closed MRI. An open MRI allows the scanning to take place without placing you inside of a closed cylinder.

There is no sedative medication available at IBJI MRI Services so be sure to discuss this topic with your doctor prior to your scheduled exam time. If you do take a sedative prior to your exam, you should arrange to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

IBJI MRI Services staff will do everything possible to make you comfortable before proceeding with your scan.

Can a friend or family member be in the scan room with me during my exam?

Yes, one person is allowed, as long as the person does not have a cardiac pacemaker or any of the other conditions outlined above that can interfere with the MRI.

Have a question? Ask it below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.