Learning more about your appointment with
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in Diagnostic Imaging, also known as Radiology, to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body.
MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients and radio waves that a computer generates into images of organs in the body. This is performed by a Nationally Certified Magnetic Resonance Technologist (MRT).
With the strong magnetic field, it is necessary to ensure it is safe for you to have an MRI. The ordering doctor will ask if you ever had metal in your eyes and your surgical history, it is for your safety to answer correctly. Based on the information X-Rays, special requirements, and operative reports maybe needed prior to examination to clear any implants or risks.
Please choose from the list below to learn more about your specific exam:
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
Routine Brain Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Multiple Sclerosis Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Typically, no contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may be used.
Pituitary Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Internal Auditory Meatus (IACs): Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Trieminal Nerve Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Sinus Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Typically, no contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may be used.
Cavernous Sinus Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Typically, contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may not be used.
Orbits Scan: Approximately 1 hour. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Circle of Willis (COW/MRA) Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Temporomanibular Joint (TMJ) Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
Soft Tissue Neck Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Thyroid Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Oral Cavity Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Tongue Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Neck Mass Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Carotid Arteries Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA): Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
Breast Scan: Approximately 90 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Brachial Plexus Scan: Approximately 3o minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Thymus Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Typically, no contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may be used.
Pectoralis Muscle Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Typically, no contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may be used.
Sternum Scan: Approximately 3o minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Clavical/Sternoclavicular (SC) Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Typically, contrast is given for this can but on occasion it may not be used.
Chest Mass Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Typically, contrast is given for this scan but on occasion it may not be used.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution, an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
Liver Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Pancreas Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Spleen Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Kidney Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Adrenal Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Appendix Scan: Approximately 30 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Small Bowel Scan: Approximately 90 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan. You will also be given Buscopan for peristalsis and Lactulose to drink which will help to distend the bowel for the examination.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancretography (MRCP): Approximately 30 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Renal (Kidneys) Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA): Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
Cervical Spinal Scan: Approximately 20 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Thoracic Spinal Scan: Approximately 45 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Lumbar Spinal Scan: Approximately 20 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan unless the patient has has previous lower back surgery.
Spinal Cord-Multiple Sclerosis Scan: Approximately 45 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Thoracic-Lumbar Spinal Scan: Approximately 45 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan unless the patient has has previous lower back surgery.
Complete Spinal Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Sacroiliac Joints (SIJ) Scan: Approximately 20 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Sacrum/Coccyx Scan: Approximately 20 minutes. No, contrast solution is not used for this scan.
Metastatic Disease/Spinal Mass Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. No, contrast dye is not used for this scan.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast dye be used?
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast solution be used?
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast dye be used?
Uterus Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Ovary Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Cervix Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Bladder Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Prostate Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Penis Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
Rectum Scan: Approximately 60 minutes. Yes, contrast solution is used for this scan.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast solution , an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technician.
How long will it take and will contrast be be used?
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing with no zippers or metal buttons and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
Immobilization Cast
If scanning that area please contact ambulatory care to remove cast, if not area of interest, then casts are safe.
Pregnancy
The Radiologist will determine risk versus benefit for MRI-please inform department ASAP prior to appointment.
Breastfeeding
Is safe after MRI, if contrast given it is recommended to bottle feed and discard breast milk for 24 hrs after.
Pacemakers
Inform department ASAP if you have a pacemaker to ensure the safety of the implant and special arrangements are made prior to MRI.
Claustrophobia
Ordering doctor must send a prescription to pharmacy and picked up prior to MRI. Please take the sedative 30 minutes prior to MRI to be effective.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the MRI waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
If you arrive to your appointment dressed in clothing items that contains metal buttons, zippers or wire, you will provided a gown and asked to change for your MRI.
If your MRI will require contrast dye, an IV will be administered before the scan begins by a nurse or trained technologist.
*Allergic reactions to the contrast solution, although are rare, are still possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to itchiness, redness, hives, or shortness of breath. If you experience any sort of reaction during your time with us, immediately bring it to the attention of the technologist, nurse or radiologist involved with your procedure.
If you believe you are experiencing a delayed minor reaction after leaving the hospital such as hives, redness, itchiness, please contact your primary care provider/ordering physician, or pharmacist.
If you believe your reaction is more severe, such as impacting your ability to breath, please seek emergency care or call 9-1-1.
How long will it take?
Approximately 1 hour.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.