About This Test
During Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the patient lies on a padded table, positioned appropriately for the area being imaged. Some exams may require the use of a contrast (dye) to be injected in the vein; this is determined by the physician or radiologist overseeing the study. The exam consists of several sets of pictures, each one can taking approximately two to 5 minutes, and the patient is asked to remain as still as possible. An MRI exam typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
A technologist will check in with the patient between pictures and closely monitors the patient through a closed-circuit camera. Patients may be given earplugs or a headset (for music and/or communication) to reduce the effects of the machine's loud noise. For patients who have difficulty lying still for an extended period, the MRI exam can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Because an MRI scan uses a strong magnet, patients can expect:
- To report any metal or electronic devices in the body such as joint replacements, surgical screws, staples or implanted devices (pacemakers or cochlear implants)
- To be screened for metal particles (metal shavings or shrapnel) that they may have been exposed to, especially around the eyes.
Open MRI
High-Field Open MRI systems are designed to emphasize physical and emotional comfort. Patients sent for an MRI can now receive scans without enduring confinement in the traditional long tube. Open MRI systems are also optimal for larger patients and those who experience claustrophobic reactions.
While in the Open MRI, patients have a 270-degree view, which helps reduce anxiety and claustrophobia; patients have room to cross and uncross their legs or rest their arms comfortably on pillows. Unlike with traditional MRI, a friend or loved one can sit nearby to provide emotional support.
MRI as a diagnostic tool
The imaging departments at Franciscan Health often use an MRI as a noninvasive test to examine the inside of the body. Unlike a CT scan, which uses radiation, MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of organs, joints, soft tissue and virtually all other internal body structures.
Because it does not use radiation, MRI is a very useful diagnostic tool in today's medicine. It is also a very useful for patients who require frequent monitoring of a disease process or health issue, such as cancer staging.
Breast MRI
MRI of the breast is used to find cancer and other problems in the breast. A breast MRI is done when your doctor needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical breast exam can give.
Why Do I Need A Breast MRI?
Your doctor may ask you to have an MRI if:
- You have breast cancer and your doctor wants to see if it has spread
- Your doctor finds something on your mammogram that might be a problem
- You or your doctor feel a lump in the breast that cannot be seen with a mammogram or ultrasound
- Your doctor wants to watch your other breast after you've been diagnosed or treated for cancer in the opposite breast
- You might have a leak or rupture of a breast implant
- You're at high risk for breast cancer
- You have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- You have very dense breast tissue and cancer wasn't seen on a mammogram
- You have a history of precancerous breast changes, a strong family history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI uses radio waves and magnets to show how well your heart is working by providing detailed images of the blood vessels surrounding the heart, the heart muscle as a whole and the individual heart chambers. Cardiac MRI can help diagnose heart disease. It also can help clarify the results found in other imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, X-rays and CT scans.
This test usually requires a contrast dye that is injected in the patient's arm before the procedure. The patient spends 30 minutes or more lying down in an MRI machine for the scan.
Cardiac MRI can help detect advanced and complex heart conditions, including:
- Scarring or tissue damage after a heart attack
- Infection, or other conditions that may cause inflammation of the heart
- Low blood flow around the heart
- Blood clots and tumors
- Heart valve function
- Progression of congenital heart disease conditions
- Aorta artery health
Our Locations
Location Hours
| Monday: | M: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | T: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | W: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | Th: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday: | F: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday: | Sa: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Su: | Closed |
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