MRI Questions Answers Long Island Suffolk Nassau Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology New York

Frequently Asked Questions: MRI

Q. What is MRI?

A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a patient examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body. It is a painless and extremely safe procedure because no radiation is used. Aided by a computer, MRI is able to produce an image of bone and soft tissue from many different body angles or planes. This enables Zwanger-Pesiri physicians to quickly and precisely diagnose a wide variety of conditions.

Q. What is High Field Open Bore MRI?

A. Zwanger-Pesiri utilizes the Siemens 3.0 Tesla Ultra High Field MRI and the Siemens 1.5 Tesla High Field Open Bore MRI. Now all patients can benefit from this advanced technology. The 3.0 Tesla MRI, with sophisticated TIM coil technology, offers the most extensive MRI study possible. The 1.5 Tesla MRI is the first true open-bore MRI on the market with short open-bore design. It is perfect for very large patients (weighing up to 500 pounds), and claustrophobic patients. Most studies are completed in 15 minutes.

Q. What are the advantages of MRI?

A. This ground breaking technology identifies the tiniest of abnormalities, making early treatment possible. There is no exposure to X-rays or radioactive substances. MRI is painless, accurate, quick and safe. There are no known side effects.

Q. When scheduling an appointment, are there certain conditions I should let you know of?

A. Please advise the Zwanger-Pesiri technologist if you:

Have a pacemaker
Are pregnant, or suspect that you may be
Have aneurysm clips
Have had heart or brain surgery
Have any metal fragments in your eyes
Have shrapnel in your body
Suffer from claustrophobia
Weigh 300 lbs. or more

Q. How do I prepare for the exam?

A. Go on with your normal activities, eat light meals, and take any prescribed medications as usual. If possible, avoid wearing clothes that have metal buckles, buttons, or zippers. Do not use hair spray or eye makeup and please bring your insurance information with you along with any previous X-rays or imaging studies of the area to be examined.

Q. What will the exam be like?

A. You will be met by your MRI technologist who will be performing your examination. This technologist has completed a rigorous course of education and training, and works under close supervision of the radiologist to assure the most accurate results from your examinations.
The technologist will position and gently secure you on the imaging table. It's important that you be secured, because even the slightest movement during the exam can blur the image and result in the need for repeated scans.

When you and your technologist are ready the examination table will be moved into the MRI unit, which is a small air-conditioned chamber. Your technologist will have you in full view at all times and be in constant communication via two-way microphones. You won't feel a thing, but you may hear the hum of the equipment as the images are being produced.

You may be given a contrast medium to highlight a particular part of your body. The contrast medium outlines less dense, hollow vessels and organs for visualizations. This medium is eliminated within a few hours or a day or two depending on the area under examination and the type of contrast medium utilized.

Q. How long will the exam take?

A. The exam usually takes from 15-25 minutes. Time may vary significantly, depending on the nature of the study and other factors.

Q. What do I do after the exam?

A. You can resume all of your normal activities.

Q. When will I know the results?

A. A Zwanger-Pesiri radiologist will study your films and report the findings to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the MRI results with you.