Northern Michigan Regional Hospital provides MRI services in a
comfortable and caring environment using the latest technology. Every
scan is interpreted by a specially trained radiologist. Northern
Michigan Regional Hospital uses a state-of-the-art MRI scanner to take
pictures with high resolution. These images give your physician
important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a
course of treatment.
To protect our patients, Northern Michigan Regional Hospital has implemented new precautions for diagnostic tests using contrast. Prior to the administration of elective Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent, a CT (with Contrast), or an IVP appointment, a recent (within the last 30 days) Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) will be required for patients ages 60 and older or with a history of one or more of the indications below:
- Diabetes
- History of Renal Disease (including solitary kidney, renal transplant, renal tumor)
- History of Renal Transplant
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- CHF
- Multiple Myeloma
- Dehydration
- Contrast exposure within the past 72 hours
MRI overview
What is an MRI exam?
Common uses
Safety
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Claustrophobia
Contrast Agents
What to Expect BEFORE an MRI Exam
What to Expect DURING an MRI Exam
What to Expect AFTER an MRI Exam
MRI overview
-
An MRI utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The atoms
in your body respond to this energy in a certain way. The MRI detects
this response and uses it to construct detailed images.
- MRI does not use x-ray radiation.
- MRI excels at imaging soft tissue; it is used to look at internal organs, the brain and spinal cord, and breasts.
- Exams last typically 30 to 45 minutes.
- Some exams involve contrast, an injection that makes the images more vivid and informative.
- Because of the strong magnetic field, metallic objects are not permitted in the scan room.
- The technologist performing your exam will be nearby and able to talk to you throughout the scan.
- MRI exams require that you lie still in a confined space. This
isn’t a problem for most people, but talk to your physician if you are
concerned. Your physician may prescribe a sedative (we cannot provide such
medication).
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What is an MRI exam?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a valuable, painless, diagnostic test that
allows radiologists to visualize areas of the body that cannot be seen
using conventional x-rays. MRI produces a series of cross-sectional
pictures. Using MRI, physicians can now detect many
conditions in earlier stages, greatly optimizing patient outcomes.
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Common Uses
Common uses for MR imaging include:
- head/brain
- spine
- joints
- liver
- pancreas
- biliary tract
- breast
- pelvic organs
- vascular system
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Safety
Safety is the number one concern for our patients and our staff. MRI
scanners do not use x-rays. Instead, a very strong magnet and radio
frequency waves are used to obtain MRI images. Because of this,
precautions are taken as to what objects enter the scan room. If a
metallic object is brought too close to the scanner, it could become a
projectile and potentially harm anyone between the object and the
magnetic field. A screening form is reviewed with each patient to
ensure that no incompatible devices are brought into the scan room. A
final check list is noted to verify that patients have removed all
external metallic and electronic objects and devices.
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Pregnancy
Please let your physician and/or the MRI technologist know if you are
pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. Your referring physician will
need to consult with a radiologist to determine if MRI is the
appropriate study to be done at this time. Although MRI does not use any
ionizing radiation, caution is always taken in the use of MRI on
pregnant patients.
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Breast Feeding
When scheduling your MRI, please notify the scheduler if you are breast
feeding. In the event you should receive MRI contrast, you will be
instructed to pump and discard your breast milk until the contrast has
cleared from your system. This typically takes 24 hours.
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Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is the fear of being in closed or narrow spaces. This can
be a problem for some individuals and should be discussed with your
physician. Your physician may prescribe an oral sedative prior to your
MRI if needed (we do not provide these medications).
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Contrast Agents
A gadolinium-based contrast agent is sometimes used for MRI exams. These
contrast agents have a very safe track record, however, adverse drug
reactions may occur. Gadolinium-based contrast agents can increase the
risk for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in patients with impaired
kidney function. Patients with acute kidney injury and those with
chronic and/or severe kidney disease are at the highest risk.
If you are over 60 and have a history of diabetes, hypertension, or any
renal impairment, blood tests may be necessary to check your kidney
function. An intravenous injection is the most common route of
administration for MRI contrast. With certain exams (i.e. MRI
arthrogram), the contrast is injected directly into the joint capsule
under x-ray guidance prior to imaging with MRI.
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What to Expect BEFORE an MRI Exam
-
Medications: It is important for you to keep to your regular
medication schedule. Please let our staff know what medications you have
taken prior to your MRI Exam.
- Food or drink: You may eat or drink anything you like
before a typical MRI exam, but if you are having an MRI or MRA of the
abdomen, MRA neck, or MRA of lower extremities, we ask that you don’t eat
three hours prior to your study. This information will also be provided
during the scheduling process.
- Health history questionnaire: You will be asked to fill
out a questionnaire about your medical history prior to entering the
scan room. This will include questions about any surgically implanted
devices you may have, cancer, claustrophobia, piercings, et al.
- What to wear: You may be asked to change into a gown. Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing without
metal. Please remove all jewelry and piercings as they may heat up
during an MRI or cause an artifact on the images. We ask that patients
having a brain MRI remove all eye makeup.
It, too, could create an artifact on the images or heat up, burning the
skin.
- When to arrive: You should arrive 30 minutes before your
scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any
necessary paperwork, change your clothes, and discuss your medical
history with an MRI technologist before starting the exam. It also
allows the MRI technologist to explain the procedure and answer any
questions.
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What to Expect DURING an MRI Exam
-
 Scanning: The MRI technologist will bring you into the scan
room where you will be positioned on the table with the area of interest
at the center of the magnet. The scanner makes a loud knocking noise
while the images are being obtained. You will be given headphones to
listen to music and/or earplugs to lessen this noise. The technologist
will leave the room, but will be in contact with you throughout the exam via
an intercom system. You will be in full view of the technologist for
the duration of the exam. All patients are given an emergency call
buzzer should they need to get the attention of the technologist
urgently. It is important that you lie very still to prevent
blurring of the images. You may also be asked to hold your breath
briefly for some scans.
- Length of MRI exam: Typically, the average MRI is 30 to
45 minutes. Scan time can vary based on the patient’s specific
needs, the use of contrast medium, and the number of anatomical regions
to be scanned.
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What to Expect AFTER an MRI Exam
-
Restrictions: You have no restrictions after having an MRI
exam and can go about your normal activities. If contrast was used,
remember to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the contrast from
your body.
- Exam results: All MRI exams are interpreted by a radiologist. Under normal circumstances, the reports are available
electronically to the ordering physician within 24 hours. Your referring
physician will communicate these results to you.
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"The MRI techs were absolutely superb in the caring, concern, and service they provided."
- An MRI Patient