Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and bones within your body. The images are then reviewed by your Radiologist for interpretation.

Noyes Health is pleased to announce the installation of a new MRI scanner that reflects the latest advancements in MRI. This new scanner will allow us to continue to provide state-of-the-art patient care in our community.

We are very excited about this new magnet as studies have shown significant patient satisfaction for those who suffer from claustrophobia, as well as larger sized patients, up to 550 lbs, who previously could not be accommodated locally for MRI needs. In addition, scan times will be decreased.

The MRI table used has a weight limit of 550 lbs. If your weight exceeds this figure, please contact us in advance so that alternative imaging procedures or locations may be discussed.

Claustrophobia

If you experience claustrophobia and would like sedation for your exam, please consult your referring physician to see if they will write you a prescription in advance of your visit. Noyes Health does not provide this medication. Because sedatives can impair your ability to drive, you must bring a driver to safely take you home after your imaging exam.

Patients undergoing head scans will have a mirror to see out of the scanner. For other MRI procedures, you may request the use of prism glasses that also allow you to see outside the scanner, or we can provide you with a special blindfold. To increase your comfort, fresh air is constantly circulated throughout the lighted scanner.

General MRI Preparation Tips

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time to complete any necessary paperwork. It is important to fill out all information on the MRI screening form (surgeries, medications, etc.) so that our staff can ensure appropriate exam conditions.

You will be escorted to a dressing room to change into a gown for your procedure. You will also need to remove all jewelry, body piercings, or clothing with metallic elements.

Metal Objects and/or Implants

As its name implies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnetic fields to generate its images. Metallic objects can significantly disrupt MRI imaging or even cause harm to you or the staff. Therefore, no metal (with the exception of specific internal implants) may be on your person during the exam. With this in mind, please notify the Technologist of any artificial implants or foreign objects.

To Determine MRI Safety

X-ray pictures may be taken to confirm presence or absence of metallic implants. Contacting the surgeon and implant manufacturer may be required.

Head and neck MRIs require the removal of dentures or partials.

Special Conditions

If you have artificial implants, please notify Noyes as soon as possible. Please be aware that Noyes does not have the means to image patients with pacemakers, even if your manufacturer states that it is MRI compatible. For all other implants, it is required that we know the manufacturer make and model before clearing the implant for safety.

Please be advised that your breathing may not be assisted with an oxygen tank during an MRI exam. Noyes does not supply oxygen in our facilities.

The contrast will not impair your ability to drive.

Noyes Health Imaging is an ambulatory imaging facility, wheelchair patients must be able to assist with their transfer to the exam table.

Contrast Injection

Certain MRI scans require an injection of an odorless and colorless contrast known as gadolinium. This injection is given in a vein, generally with a butterfly (very small) needle or IV catheter.

Side effects to this contrast are extremely rare, with the most common being a mild sensation of nausea (which passes after several minutes), taste perversion, headache, feeling hot, burning sensation at the injection site and hives. Hives can sometimes be delayed and appear up to 20 minutes or longer after the injection. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast, please contact our Nursing Department prior to your appointment. Additional bloodwork or preventative pre-medication may be required.

Why We Ask All Patients to Change for an MRI

Did you know your clothing could have metal in the material that could cause burning during an MRI? We are not talking about the obvious snaps, zippers and clasps that are commonly found in clothes. Metal is commonly used in clothes, especially microfiber materials, as well as clothes that you believe to be free of metal.

There could be silver, gold, or copper weaved into your clothing that can be problematic in an MRI environment and even result in skin burns. But, your clothing label might not indicate that there is metal in your clothing at all, which is why we require all patients to change and use an MRI approved gown for MRI exams. Sorry, there is no waiver form for this. You must change for your MRI here at Noyes Health.

What is MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and bones within your body. The images are then reviewed by your Radiologist for interpretation.

Noyes Health is pleased to announce the installation of a new MRI scanner that reflects the latest advancements in MRI. This new scanner will allow us to continue to provide state-of-the-art patient care in our community.

We are very excited about this new magnet as studies have shown significant patient satisfaction for those who suffer from claustrophobia, as well as larger sized patients, up to 550 lbs, who previously could not be accommodated locally for MRI needs. In addition, scan times will be decreased.

The MRI table used has a weight limit of 550 lbs. If your weight exceeds this figure, please contact us in advance so that alternative imaging procedures or locations may be discussed.

Claustrophobia

If you experience claustrophobia and would like sedation for your exam, please consult your referring physician to see if they will write you a prescription in advance of your visit. Noyes Health does not provide this medication. Because sedatives can impair your ability to drive, you must bring a driver to safely take you home after your imaging exam.

Patients undergoing head scans will have a mirror to see out of the scanner. For other MRI procedures, you may request the use of prism glasses that also allow you to see outside the scanner, or we can provide you with a special blindfold. To increase your comfort, fresh air is constantly circulated throughout the lighted scanner.

General MRI Preparation Tips

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time to complete any necessary paperwork. It is important to fill out all information on the MRI screening form (surgeries, medications, etc.) so that our staff can ensure appropriate exam conditions.

You will be escorted to a dressing room to change into a gown for your procedure. You will also need to remove all jewelry, body piercings, or clothing with metallic elements.

Metal Objects and/or Implants

As its name implies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnetic fields to generate its images. Metallic objects can significantly disrupt MRI imaging or even cause harm to you or the staff. Therefore, no metal (with the exception of specific internal implants) may be on your person during the exam. With this in mind, please notify the Technologist of any artificial implants or foreign objects.

To Determine MRI Safety

X-ray pictures may be taken to confirm presence or absence of metallic implants. Contacting the surgeon and implant manufacturer may be required.

Head and neck MRIs require the removal of dentures or partials.

Special Conditions

If you have artificial implants, please notify Noyes as soon as possible. Please be aware that Noyes does not have the means to image patients with pacemakers, even if your manufacturer states that it is MRI compatible. For all other implants, it is required that we know the manufacturer make and model before clearing the implant for safety.

Please be advised that your breathing may not be assisted with an oxygen tank during an MRI exam. Noyes does not supply oxygen in our facilities.

The contrast will not impair your ability to drive.

Noyes Health Imaging is an ambulatory imaging facility, wheelchair patients must be able to assist with their transfer to the exam table.

Contrast Injection

Certain MRI scans require an injection of an odorless and colorless contrast known as gadolinium. This injection is given in a vein, generally with a butterfly (very small) needle or IV catheter.

Side effects to this contrast are extremely rare, with the most common being a mild sensation of nausea (which passes after several minutes), taste perversion, headache, feeling hot, burning sensation at the injection site and hives. Hives can sometimes be delayed and appear up to 20 minutes or longer after the injection. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast, please contact our Nursing Department prior to your appointment. Additional bloodwork or preventative pre-medication may be required.

Why We Ask All Patients to Change for an MRI

Did you know your clothing could have metal in the material that could cause burning during an MRI? We are not talking about the obvious snaps, zippers and clasps that are commonly found in clothes. Metal is commonly used in clothes, especially microfiber materials, as well as clothes that you believe to be free of metal.

There could be silver, gold, or copper weaved into your clothing that can be problematic in an MRI environment and even result in skin burns. But, your clothing label might not indicate that there is metal in your clothing at all, which is why we require all patients to change and use an MRI approved gown for MRI exams. Sorry, there is no waiver form for this. You must change for your MRI here at Noyes Health.