MRI only $275
(Add $100 for contrast )
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.
Our MRI Magnets:
1.5 TESLA High Field MRI
0.3 TESLA Open MRI
Why is an MRI done?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done for many reasons. It is used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood vessel diseases, or infection. MRI also may be done to provide more information about a problem seen on an X-ray, ultrasound scan, or CT scan.
An MRI scan can be done for the:
- Head – MRI can look at the brain for tumors, an aneurysm, bleeding in the brain, and other problems, such as damage caused by a stroke. MRI can also find problems of the eyes and optic nerves and the ears and auditory nerves.
- Chest – MRI of the chest can show if the heart or lungs are damaged. MRI of the chest may also be used to look for breast or lung cancer.
- Blood vessels – Using MRI to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood through them is called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It can find problems of the arteries and veins, such as an aneurysm, a blocked blood vessel, or the torn lining of a blood vessel (dissection).
- Abdomen and pelvis – MRI can find problems in the organs and structures in the belly, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. It is used to find tumors, bleeding, infection, and blockage. In women, it can look at the uterus and ovaries. In men, it looks at the prostate.
- Bones and joints – MRI can check for problems of the bones and joints, such as arthritis, problems with the temporomandibular joint, bone marrow problems, bone, cartilage problems, torn ligaments or tendons, or infection. MRI may also be used to tell if a bone is broken when X-ray results are not clear. MRI is done more commonly than other tests to check for some bone and joint problems.
- Spine – MRI can check the discs and nerves of the spine for conditions such as spinal, disc bulges, and spinal tumors.
How to Prepare for an MRI:
Before your MRI test, tell your doctor and the MRI technologist if you:
- Are allergic to any medicines. The contrast material used for MRI does not contain iodine. If you know that you are allergic to the contrast material used for the MRI, tell your doctor before having another test.
- Are or might be pregnant.
- Have any metal implanted in your body. This helps your doctor know if the test is safe for you. Tell your doctor if you have:
- Heart and blood vessel devices such as a coronary artery stent, a pacemaker, an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator), or a metal heart valve.
- Metal pins, clips, or metal parts in your body, including artificial limbs and dental work or braces.
- Any other implanted medical device, such as a medicine infusion pump or a cochlear implant.
- Cosmetic metal implants, such as in your ears, or tattooed eyeliner.
- Had recent surgery on a blood vessel. In some cases, you may not be able to have the MRI test.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. An IUD may prevent you from having the MRI test done.
- Become very nervous in confined spaces. You need to lie very still inside the MRI magnet, so you may need medicine to help you relax. Or you may be able to have the test done with open MRI equipment. It is not as confining as standard MRI machines.
- Have any other health conditions, such as kidney problems or sickle cell anemia, which may prevent you from having an MRI using contrast material.
- Wear any medicine patches. The MRI may cause a burn at the patch site.
You may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the test, if you are given a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.
For an MRI of the abdomen or pelvis, you may be asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the test.
How It Is Done:
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test is performed by an MRI technologist. The pictures are then interpreted by a radiologist.
- You will need to remove all metal objects (such as hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, watches, and hairpins) from your body because these objects may be attracted to the powerful magnet used for the test.
- You will need to take off all or most of your clothes; depending on which area is examined (you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it is not in the way). You will be given a gown to use during the test. If you are allowed to keep some of your clothes on, you should empty your pockets of any coins and cards (such as credit cards or ATM cards) with scanner strips on them because the MRI magnet may erase the information on the cards.
- During the test you usually lie on your back on a table that is part of the MRI scanner. Your head, chest, and arms may be held with straps to help you remain still. The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet. A device called a coil may be placed over or wrapped around the area to be scanned.
- Inside the scanner you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may also hear tapping or knocking noises as the MRI scans are taken. You can request earplugs or headphones with music to reduce the noise. It is very important to hold completely still while the scan is being done. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time.
- During the test, you may be alone in the scanner room. But the technologist will watch you through a window at the control. You will be able to talk with the technologist through a two-way intercom.
- If contrast material is needed, the technologist will put it in an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. The material may be given over 1 to 2 minutes. Then more MRI scans are done.
- An MRI test usually takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on the body part you are having imaged.
How Does an MRI Feel:
You will not have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test.
Results:
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. The radiologist may discuss initial results of the MRI with you right after the test. Complete results are usually ready for your doctor in the same day or by the next day. An MRI can sometimes find a problem in a tissue or organ even when the size and shape of the tissue or organ looks normal.