Key Takeaways
- It is non-invasive: An MRI is a painless procedure that does not use ionizing radiation.
- Preparation is key: You must remove all metal objects, including jewelry and clothing with zippers, before the scan.
- Noise is normal: The machine makes loud tapping or thumping sounds, but ear protection is provided.
- Stillness is required: You will need to lie very still to ensure the images are clear and accurate.
- Expert care is available:Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness provides advanced and reliable tools for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions in PA. Contact the team today to schedule your appointment.
Preparing for Your MRI Appointment
Preparation usually begins before you even arrive at the clinic. While an MRI is a straightforward procedure, the strong magnetic field requires specific safety protocols.
What to Wear and Bring
Comfort is essential. Patients are encouraged to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. However, the most critical rule is to avoid metal. The powerful magnets in the MRI machine can attract metal objects or cause them to heat up.
Items to leave at home or remove before the scan include:
- Jewelry, watches, and piercings
- Hairpins and clips
- Clothing with metal zippers, buttons, hooks, or underwire
- Hearing aids and dentures (in some cases)
Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness staff will provide a secure place for personal belongings. In many cases, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure safety and image quality.
The Safety Screening
Before entering the exam room, a technologist will conduct a thorough screening. This involves a questionnaire regarding your medical history. It is vital to inform the technologist if you have any implanted medical devices, such as:
- Pacemakers or defibrillators
- Cochlear implants
- Artificial joints or metal plates
- Shrapnel or bullet fragments
Certain devices may not be compatible with the magnetic field, so full transparency is necessary for patient safety.
Inside the MRI Room
Once the safety checks are complete, the technologist will guide you into the MRI room. The scanner typically looks like a large, tube-shaped machine open at both ends.
Positioning on the Table
You will lie down on a movable table that slides into the center of the magnet. The technologist will help position you comfortably, using cushions or straps to help you maintain the correct position. Depending on the body part being scanned, a device called a 'coil' may be placed around the area. This coil acts as an antenna to send and receive the radio wave signals, ensuring high-quality images.
Understanding Contrast Dye
For some exams, a contrast material called gadolinium may be required. This dye helps highlight specific areas of the body, such as blood vessels or tumors, making them stand out more clearly on the images. If your exam requires contrast, a nurse or technologist will insert a small IV line into a vein in your hand or arm. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions, but you should inform the staff if you have a history of kidney disease.
The Experience During the Scan
Once you are positioned, the table will slide into the bore (the tunnel) of the scanner. The technologist leaves the room but remains in constant contact via an intercom system. They can see, hear, and speak to you at all times.
Noise and Communication
The most surprising aspect for first-time patients is often the noise. When the machine is taking pictures, you will hear loud thumping, tapping, or clicking sounds. These noises are caused by the internal coils vibrating as the magnetic field changes rapidly.
To protect your hearing, Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness provides earplugs or headphones. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to music to help you relax.
Staying Still
The scan consists of several sequences, each lasting a few minutes. It is crucial to lie perfectly still during these sequences. Movement can blur the images, similar to how moving during a photograph causes a blurry picture. If the images are unclear, the sequence may need to be repeated, extending the total exam time.
MRI vs. CT Scan: Understanding the Difference
Patients often confuse MRIs with CT scans. While both are diagnostic imaging tools, they operate differently and are used for different purposes.
| Feature | MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | CT (Computed Tomography) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. | Uses X-rays taken from multiple angles. |
| Radiation | No ionizing radiation used. | Uses a small amount of ionizing radiation. |
| Time Required | Generally longer (15 to 90 minutes). | Generally faster (5 to 20 minutes). |
| Best For | Soft tissues, ligaments, brain, spinal cord, and nerves. | Bone structures, chest, and detecting bleeding or clots. |
| Experience | Loud, enclosed narrow tube. | Quieter, more open donut-shaped ring. |
After the Procedure
Once the scan is complete, the technologist will slide the table out of the machine and help you up. If you used an IV for contrast dye, it will be removed.
Immediate Recovery
One of the benefits of an MRI is that there is typically no recovery time. Unless you were given sedation for claustrophobia, you can resume normal activities and diet immediately. If contrast dye was used, drinking plenty of water over the next 24 hours helps flush the material from your body.
Getting Your Results
You will not receive immediate results in the exam room. A radiologist—a doctor specializing in interpreting medical images—will analyze the scans and write a detailed report. This report is then sent to your referring physician, who will discuss the findings with you and determine the next steps for your treatment.
Secure Your Peace of Mind Today
Medical imaging is a critical step in safeguarding your health. Knowing what to expect during the procedure transforms the unknown into a manageable, routine event. MRIs are safe, effective, and essential for accurate diagnoses.
Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness is committed to providing a comfortable and professional environment for all patients. With state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate team, the practice ensures you receive the highest standard of care in PA.
To take control of your health journey, schedule your appointment with Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness for your diagnostic needs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an MRI take?
The duration depends on the specific area being scanned and the number of images required. Most exams take between 15 and 45 minutes, though some more complex scans can take up to 90 minutes.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Claustrophobia is a common concern. Pittsburgh Imaging & Wellness staff are trained to help anxious patients. Strategies include using mirrors to see outside the machine, listening to music, or keeping your eyes closed. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative to take before the appointment.
Can I keep my clothes on during an MRI?
You may be allowed to wear your own clothes if they are loose-fitting and free of any metal fasteners (zippers, buttons, snaps). However, for safety and image quality, changing into a hospital gown is often recommended to ensure no hidden metallic fibers interfere with the magnet.
Is an MRI safe for pregnant women?
MRIs are generally considered safe during pregnancy, as they do not use radiation. However, doctors usually avoid performing them during the first trimester unless absolutely necessary. Contrast dye is typically avoided entirely for pregnant patients. Always inform your technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant.
