In most cases, a family member or friend may enter the MRI room with you and stay with you throughout your exam. If the situation allows, they may even hold your hand or pat you on the knees so that you know that they are there with you.
Remember to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes for your appointment, preferably without zippers as these could interfere with the medical images. Both you and the person accompanying you will be required to remove any metal objects from your person prior to entering the MRI scanning suite.
Some MRI centers permit a relative or friend to be present in the MR system room, which also has a calming effect for the patient. If patients are properly prepared and know what to expect, it is almost always possible to complete the examination.
A friend or family member may be allowed to stay with you while you're having your scan. Children can usually have a parent with them. Anyone who stays with you will be asked if they have a pacemaker or any other metal objects in their body.
The procedure typically will last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of scan required by your physician. You just need to be as still as possible during the exam. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the MRI exam. A technologist will be able to see you at all times.
How long is my MRI exam? The length of your exam will depend on what is ordered by your doctor, or the body part of interest. In general exams will take 45-60 minutes and up to 2 hours for specialty exams. On average, brain and spine exams may last about 45 minutes.
Spine MRI: 30 minutes to 2 hours. Full body MRI: 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
The MRI personnel will ask you many questions to determine if you can safely be imaged. You will also be asked you weight and height. This information will allow the pulse sequence to adhere to the specific absorption rate (SAR) limitations described in Chapter 9, and the proper choice of imaging hardware.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
For outpatients, radiology schedulers inquire about patients' weight at the time of scheduling. If the patient's weight exceeds 260 lbs, the patient is instructed to measure their body diameter to determine whether they will safely fit within the MRI bore.
MRIs of obese patients are typically challenging because of the effects of a large field of view on image quality and the increased risk of thermal burns from contact with the bore.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
Why do we use pineapple juice? During the MRCP, the pancreatobiliary ducts can be obscured by the high-intensity signal from the stomach and duodenum. Pineapple juice has a high natural manganese content that increase T1- and decreasing T2- signal intensity.
How much does Whole Body MRI cost? The cost is $800, and the scan will approximately take an hour. You can pay over the phone when you make your booking, or pay when you arrive for your scan. Note MRI scans can only be done at our Payneham or Woodville clinic.
What to expect after the MRI. Unless you've been given medication or a sedative, you can resume your daily activities. Once your MRI scan is complete, you'll be escorted back to the changing area to retrieve your belongings. If your doctor gave you any medication or sedation, DO NOT attempt to drive yourself home.
The magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
It's important not to drink a lot of caffeine before your MRI because caffeine will make your blood vessels constrict. If your scan is monitoring blood flow, constricted blood vessels will give you inaccurate results.
There is no need to alter your diet or medication prior to an M.R.I. examination*. During the exam most metal items will need to be removed. Patients with metallic implants, pacemakers or metal clips must notify the office prior to examination.
“Your test needs to be read by a diagnostic radiologist, and the results go back to your physician. Your physician reads the report and then discusses it with you,” Edwards said. The biggest reason for that policy is that only a medical doctor has the training and experience to make a diagnosis.
How long does lumbar spine MRI take? Scans of the lumbar spine typically take 30 to 60 minutes. If contrast dye is required, the time frame is 45 to 90 minutes.
An MRI scan takes longer to perform (30 to 60 minutes, on average). A CT scan is quick (around 5 to 10 minutes). An MRI provides a clearer picture of abnormal tissues.
The weight limit depends on the model of MRI scanner although 350-400lbs is the range of maximum weight limits for most MRI scanners. Also, most MRI bores cannot accommodate patients larger than 60-70cm in diameter.
However, due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with: Implanted pacemakers. Intracranial aneurysm clips. Cochlear implants.