Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a way to look inside the body without using radiation or x-rays. It uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make images. MRI can produce two or three dimensional images of the organs inside the body.

At SSR, MRI's are typically done on for

  • Angiography (MRA)
  • Chest
  • Head and Neck
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Brain (including Functional and Spectroscopy)
  • Cardiac (Heart)
  • Spine
  • Breast
  • Breast Biopsy
  • Pelvis (including prostate and female organs)

Patient Preparation

Call SSR at 360-493-4646 as soon as you are aware of your appointment to review exam instructions and go through the safety screening questions. Generally, MRI exams do not require special preparation. With a few exceptions, patients may eat and take their usual medications.

Pain medications will not affect the MRI. For patients who are experiencing pain, lying still for 30 minutes can be difficult. If you think you will have difficulties holding still due to pain we recommend taking your medication to ensure a successful exam.

You will be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan (dentures, hairpins or jewelry). To avoid having to change into a gown, wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.

Please inform SSR prior to your exam if you:

  • Have a pacemaker
  • Have aneurysm clips
  • Have cochlear (ear) implants
  • Have any metallic implants or devices in the body
  • Have an implant of any type (i.e. prosthetic device, pain pumps, nerve stimulators, heart valves, aneurysm clips, etc.)
  • Have any kidney problems
  • Have history of ear surgery
  • Have history of eye surgery
  • Have history of brain surgery
  • Have history of metal in eye
  • History of metal in the eye
  • Are or may be pregnant
  • Are breast feeding
  • Are claustrophobic (Please contact SSR prior to your appointment to make arrangements)

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • On the day of your exam wear comfortable, metal-free clothing and remember to remove all metal objects such as jewelry, glasses, clothes with zippers, keys, etc. The magnet can erase credit cards if they are not removed. If you are not wearing metal-free clothing, you will be asked to change into a gown.
  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • At the time of your appointment, a technologist will take you to a changing room and provide you with a locker for your personal possessions. You will discuss your medical history, be told about the scan and have a chance to ask questions before the technologist escorts you into the MRI room.
  • Although the machine is large and may look intimidating, MRI procedures are pain free. Before the scan, a technologist will ask you to lie down on a table inside the machine which is open at both ends. About 90 percent of scans require you to lie on your back. A coil (a type of imaging device) may be placed near or around the body part being scanned. If a contrast agent is needed, you will get an IV injection during your exam. Allergic reaction to the contrast is rare, but can occur.
  • Exams last approximately 30-40 minutes for each body part scanned. The scanner makes a loud knocking noise when it is acquiring images. Earplugs or a headset will be provided to protect your ears from the noise.  Each imaging sequence can take anywhere from 30 seconds to seven minutes. During the scan, you will need to lie very still because moving will cause blurry pictures. Unless otherwise instructed, breathe normally.
  • Once the exam is done, the images will be reviewed to ensure the appropriate area was captured.

Results

MRI studies are reviewed by one of our Radiologists, who will then dictate a report. For most scans, it takes 24 to 48 hours for your clinician to receive the Radiologist's report. Your doctor will discuss the results of the study with you and make plans for treating any symptoms you may be experiencing. You will be given a copy of your exam on a cd.

IMAGE ARCHIVE POLICY

Your study will be digitally archived. SSR no longer stores Ultrasound, CT, MRI, Mammogram, X-Ray, or DEXA films.  If needed, you will be provided with one imaging copy of the study free of charge, at the time of study, for your personal medical records.  Images are marked with stickers that indiciate "Original Images Property of the Patient". Many referring offices require images of your studies in order to facilitate your diagnosis and treatment.  Once you have completed your assessment with your doctor, ask that they return these images to you for your personal records. Images are marked with stickers that indicate “Original Images Property of the Patient”. 

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your clinician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment now.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.