Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive way to take dozens of pictures inside your body in only 30-50 minutes. The MRI technology uses a magnetic field and a computer to construct your images. The images are much clearer and more detailed than X-rays and can help your doctor give you a better, more complete diagnosis.
The updated MRI at BMH is designed to improve the patient experience with new, exclusive patient comfort features. These include an ultra-short bore platform, making the system feel more open. The short-bore design offers greater openness for claustrophobic patients by minimizing the feeling of being inserted into a tube-like machine. In addition, the system is equipped with Toshiba’s patented Pianissimo™ noise reduction technology, which effectively reduces scan noise by as much as 90 percent. The quietness of this new instrument during scanning is more calming for the patient. When the patient is more at ease, the technicians have greater success with the scan and capture better images to help the physician make a confident diagnosis.
In addition to its patient comfort features, the new BMH instrument is a high-field MRI system that performs a wide variety of non-invasive exams including the latest state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Using a magnetic field and a computer to construct your images, MRI technology is also used to identify tumor masses and other abnormalities in the head, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, as well as to examine bone and joint injuries. Frequently, this type of diagnostic information cannot be acquired with any other medical procedure, except surgery.
MRI is one of the safest imaging technologies available. By using magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI is able to provide excellent images of the body and without using x-rays. It greatly expands the ability to evaluate abnormalities and diseases affecting the patient. Highly trained and experienced MRI Technologists perform the 30 – 50 minute exams under the guidance of the board certified radiologists at BMH.
The MRI scanner at BMH is housed in a completely redesigned, spacious enclosure, located in the Richards Building, readily accessible for inpatients and outpatients. Services are available for MRI on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with extended evening hours on Tuesday and Friday. A referral from the patient’s health care provider is required. A highly trained staff assists patients and their doctors’ offices with scheduling and precertification and preauthorizations, as required by many insurance companies.
Preparing For Your MRI – What To Do
We want your MRI procedure to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Here’s what you need to do or bring:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or snaps. Lockers are available to store personal items.
- Continue to take your daily medications.
- Eat and drink normally prior to your MRI.
- Bring your MRI referral from your doctor.
- Arrive well ahead of time to complete any necessary paperwork.
- If you need to take medication to relax, please bring someone to drive you home.
Please Notify Us
Some conditions may prevent you from having an MRI. If you have any of the following, please tell your doctor or MRI technologist, or let the imaging facility personnel know when you schedule your appointment:
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Cochlear implants
- Prosthesis within your body
- Aneurysm clips (magnetic)
- Metal filings/fragments in your eyes or body
- Body piercings or tattoos
- Pregnancy
During Your MRI – We’re Here For You
If anything worries or bothers you during your MRI, just tell us. A two-way microphone system will let you talk to your MRI technologist at any time, if necessary. Here’s what you need to do during your MRI:
- Relax! Your MRI is non-invasive and is over in 30-50 minutes.
- Your MRI technologist will help you lie down and get comfortable on the cushioned table, which will automatically move into place for the scanning and imaging.
- Pillows and blankets are provided for your comfort, as the room needs to be cool in order for the computer system to operate properly.
- It’s important to stay as calm and still as possible, since any movement can blur the pictures.
- You may hear “thumping or knocking,” and will be given earplugs to help eliminate the sounds from the MRI equipment.
Your MRI – What To Expect
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate and advanced imaging tests available today. Here’s what you need to know if your doctor prescribed an MRI for you:
- It’s a non-invasive way to take dozens of pictures inside your body in only 30-50 minutes.
- The images are much clearer and more detailed than x-rays and can help your doctor give you a better, more complete diagnosis.
- The MRI technology uses a magnetic field and a computer to construct your images.
- Sometimes your doctor will prescribe an intravenous contrast “dye” to be given to you during your MRI to enhance the visibility of your blood vessels or tissues.
After Your MRI
After 30-50 minutes, your MRI technologist will help you off the table when the scanning is complete. Here’s what happens next:
- Our MRI technologist prepares your images for the radiologist to evaluate.
- The radiologist interprets your results and writes a report.
- The report is sent to your doctor.
- Your doctor will talk with you about your MRI results and next steps.
