MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a large, donut-shaped machine which uses a strong magnetic field to produce high resolution images of your internal organs to characterize potential disease processes. MRI is a noninvasive procedure and uses NO radiation. The MRI machine causes no tissue damage or harm, but does make loud tapping or knocking noises. Earplugs will be placed to minimize patient disturbance, and you will be able to communicate with the MRI technologist at any time during your procedure with our intercom system. MRI can be used to evaluate numerous conditions, including joint pain, bone pain, back pain, headache, neurologic symptoms, abdominal pain, abnormal laboratory tests, vascular abnormalities, and various tumors/masses.

Because of the powerful magnetic field, iron-containing (ferromagnetic) metal objects cannot enter the MRI room. Please be aware that certain types of metallic implants/devices may prevent a patient from undergoing MRI, such as cardiac pacemaker, cardiac AICD/implantable defibrillator, neurostimulator device, metallic foreign bodies (bullets, shrapnel, metal fragments, certain aneurysm/surgical clips). Please alert the MRI technologist if you have any metallic medical devices. You will be asked to remove any metallic belongings from your body (cellphone, keys, jewelry, watches, fitness monitors, belts, hearing aids, etc.); we provide you with a secure locker.

Sometimes, an IV will be placed to administer intravenous contrast material to help better define a specific structure or disease process. Patients with renal failure cannot receive IV contrast, so please alert the MRI technologist if you have any history of kidney disease (kidney failure, kidney surgery, kidney cancer, single kidney). Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure may be at risk for kidney disease. Also please alert the technologist if you believe you are allergic to IV contrast (gadolinium). Additionally, pregnant patients should not receive IV contrast, so alert the technologist if you may be pregnant. A small minority of patients have a closed-in feeling during their MRI exam (claustrophobia), but the majority of patients are able to complete their exam despite this. Your doctor can prescribe a one-time dose of anti-anxiety medication for you, if need be (you must bring a driver). If you are unable to tolerate the MRI, we can perform your exam at Albany Open MRI, our open unit.

During your MRI exam, you will be asked to lie on a padded table that glides into the scanner; the scanner is open on both ends. As above, you will wear earplugs.

*The most important thing a patient can do during an MRI exam is remain as still as possible!*

Most MRI exams last about 30 minutes. The MRI technologist will tell you in advance how long your exam is expected to last. Alert the technologist if you have any questions or feel anything unusual. After the exam, there are no restrictions on your activity. Once the images have been obtained, they will be sent electronically to the radiologist, who will interpret the exam and generate a report for your doctor. You should follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to receive the results of your MRI.

We try in every way to make your imaging exam pleasant! As always, please let us know what we can do to improve your experience.