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Katrina Johnson demonstrates how to
prepare the MRI for a knee exam |
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, known as MRI, is used to help physicians diagnose a wide variety of conditions. MRI is a strong magnetic field that also uses radio waves to create information to obtain images. No radiation is involved with an MRI.
YVMC’s MRI is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
How do I schedule an MRI?
Call the Diagnostic Imaging scheduling line at 970-871-2399.
Checking in for your MRI
Please check in 20 minutes prior to your study. When checking in you will be asked to fill out a screening form. This form will give the information needed to determine if you are eligible to have an MRI, as certain types of metal in the area being scanned can cause significant artifacts in the images and could cause harm to you.
You will be asked to change your clothes and remove anything that is metallic such as jewelry and glasses. It is best to leave all valuables at home.
If you are pregnant or if you might be pregnant please talk to your doctor. MRI’s are usually not advised for pregnant women, yet may be recommended in certain cases
Preparing for your MRI
Most scans do not require any preparation.
If you are having an abdomen exam you should not eat or drink 5 hours before your scan.
Specific exams needing contrast
Some MRI studies require a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels.
Arthrogram studies will require you to have an injection of contrast into the joint of interest. A technologist will bring you into an x-ray room where the radiologist will obtain your consent prior to the procedure and inject your joint under fluoroscopy. After the injection you will then be taken in to the MRI scanner.
There are a few other exams and patient medical histories that will require contrast including: a history of brain cancer, lumbar spine surgery and kidney exams.
You may need to have a simple blood test if you are going to have a contrast injection. Reasons for the blood work prior to injection include: age 70 or older, a history of kidney disease or if you have diabetes. Your blood work should be done at least 24 hours before the injection of contrast. If you have questions or concerns about this blood work, please consult your doctor.
MRI scanning
The MRI machine is a long, cylindrical tube with both ends of the tube open. For most exams your head will be in the tube. The machine is extremely noisy, making very loud banging noises. Some exams will allow the use of head phones for music. If your exam is not compatible for the ear phones, ear plugs will be provided. You may also bring your iPod as we have an iPod docking station. Many pictures are taken during the scan from top to bottom, side to side and back to front.
When ready you will be taken into the scanner room for your exam. The technologist will position you on the table and a coil may be attached to the part of your body we are scanning. The table will automatically move you into the tunnel of the machine. MRI requires that you lie still for 30-45 minutes, depending upon the type of study.
We do not usually schedule patients for two different MRI scans to follow one another as lying still is difficult for almost two hours at a time, and image quality is compromised. We can (as long as it does not involve an arthrogram) schedule a patient for one scan and then give you a break for an hour or two and do your next scan if that is beneficial to the patient in not having to return on another day.
How are my MRI results provided?
After your scan your images with be reviewed by YVMC’s board-certified radiologists. The report will be sent to your ordering doctor to share with you.