Some MRI exams require an IV injection, it is important for our technologists to have good lighting to be able to start an IV. If the light is too bright and uncomfortable please alert your technologist. We have eye/sleep masks available, these masks also help with claustrophobia and you get to keep it after your exam.

MRI Machines use very powerful magnets to achieve the highest quality images. These magnets produce heat and need to be kept cold to function properly. If you feel too cold during your exam please alert your technologist and they will be happy to provide you with a blanket.

We understand that a lot of people are claustrophobic and worry about having an MRI. SDMI is the best place to have your MRI done because we offer more "wide bore" scanners, meaning they have the largest opening (71 cm) of any scanners on the market. We also offer the option of oral sedation to make patients more comfortable, as well as your favorite genre of music to listen to during the scan to help you relax.

MRI scanning is different than a CT (Computed Tomography) scan or even general X-ray diagnostics, since there is no ionizing radiation involved. The MRI exam itself does not cause any pain however some patients find the table and positioning uncomfortable. The test itself will last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes on average, but may run longer if multiple scans have to be made. MRI's are one of the safest ways that doctors can get a detailed overview of organs and tissues and is a critical aspect for early detection and diagnosis, as well as the treatment of many diseases and injuries.

There is not much preparation necessary for patients to get ready for an MRI. The patient will arrive at the diagnostic center, dress in a gown and remove all metallic or magnetic objects such as jewelry or credit cards. Given that MRI utilizes magnets in their operation, it can interfere or be damaging to the patient’s property and/or could cause injury. It can also lead to inconclusive/incorrect results, as well as generate poor quality images. In other instances, patients with certain medical implants may not be able to be scanned due to the magnet and radio waves.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) utilizes magnetic fields to reconstruct detailed images of the body. Most MRI machines consist of a "bore" or tube-shaped housing for the magnet. Often times the term wide bore is used to describe an MRI machine that has a larger opening than a standard machine. Patients will lie on a table (also referred to as a bed). That table is designed to slide in and out of the bore opening in order to position the body part being scanned in the middle of the machine. A coil is placed at the specific site to be imaged directing the magnetic waves to the right spot. Once processed, the final imaging result will be a 3D representation of the examined area. The image and resolution that is produced by the MRI scans are quite detailed and can locate small changes within the body. In some of the procedure types, contrast can be used to increase the accuracy of the generated images.

SDMI's Technical Director, Rayland Chow, explains what patients can expect when getting an MRI at SDMI. https://youtu.be/GhppfpXYHyw

Please visit our patient portal to access your reports and images, click here.