Copyright © MRI Scan Proscan Imaging Buffalo, medical clinic and doctors office. All rights reserved.
What to Expect During Your MRI Scan at Medical Clinic
How to Prepare your visit to Proscan Imaging Buffalo mri clinic
An MRI scanner is a large machine with a horizontal tube or "bore" running through the magnet from front to back. The patient, lying on his or her back, slides into the bore on a special table. The largest and most important component in an MRI system is the magnet, which is rated using a unit of measure known as a Tesla. The MRI magnets in use today are in the 0.5-Tesla to 3.0-Tesla range. A 3.0 Tesla magnet is stronger and faster, so it provides a higher-quality image in a shorter amount of time. Insist on a 3T MRI to obtain the best diagnostic test possible so your health problems are correctly diagnosed.
ProScan Imaging offers:
A high-field 3T MRI, the most powerful type of imaging scanner, offering a higher magnetic field strength, which generally means shorter scan times for the patient.
While the scan is in progress, the MRI system goes through the patient's body point by point, building up a two- or three-dimensional map of tissue types. It then integrates all this information together to create 2-D or 3-D models of the scanned body parts.
Preparation
You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam or you may be allowed to wear your own clothing, if it is loose-fitting and has no metal fasteners. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual.
What to Expect
The technician will explain the scan you are having and inject you with contrast solution (if required) before the scan. The MR machine makes a noise that sounds like a continual, rapid hammering. You will be given earplugs or music headphones to muffle the noise. The sound is caused by the rising electrical current in the wires of the gradient magnets being opposed by the main magnetic field.
MRI exams typically range in length from 20 to 30 minutes or more. Although some procedures may take longer. Even very slight movement of the part being scanned can cause very distorted images that will have to be retaken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I have metal objects in my body, can I still have a MRI?
Patients who have implants, metallic fragments in the eyes, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or some dental implants may not be able to be scanned. You should tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body. ProScan will evaluate each patient prior to being scanned. Most orthopaedic implants are fine because they are firmly embedded in bone.
2. I am a large person; will I fit into the MRI unit?
Some ProScan Imaging centers can accommodate patients weighing up to 500 pounds. Please contact us directly to learn about our equipment capabilities.
3. I am claustrophobic and need a MRI scan – what can I do?
At ProScan, we are skilled at working with claustrophobic patients. We provide sedation if necessary. Our technicians can supply you with covers for your eyes, headphones, and if you like, you can even have a family member sit next to you while you are scanned (providing he or she has no metal in or on their body). A 3T MRI provides higher quality more diagnostic information than open MRI's. We do not recommend low resolution open MRI's for diagnostic testing.