What to expect during an MRI

St. Joseph’s/Candler Technologist Lauren Hughes answers seven questions about MRIs

When doctors need to look inside a patient’s body for disease or injury, they have several imaging diagnostic modalities to choose from. One such tool is MRI.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic scan to look at a part of the body internally, explains Lauren Hughes, technologist at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Imaging Center in Bluffton. Using a magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses and a computer, MRI creates a detailed picture of the anatomy without exposure to radiation, which is found in X-rays and CT scans.

Related Article: What to expect during a CT scan

“The images produced through MRI are so detailed. It really blows my mind,” says Hughes, who’s been a CT and X-Ray tech for 12 years and MRI tech now for five years. “MRI shows more of the ligaments and tendons, as opposed to CT. MRI really is the golden standard for anything muscular, such as knee or shoulder. We can also look at every organ in the body.”

St. Joseph’s/Candler has the latest imaging technology to make patients feel more comfortable and get them in and out as quickly as possible. In Bluffton, for example, we have one of the region’s only Open MRI machines with the Oasis High-Field Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging System. It produces excellent imaging results, is less claustrophobic for patients and reduces the likelihood of having to reschedule.

Learn more about Open MRI here.

At St. Joseph’s Hospital, we offer 3T MRI, which is the most powerful magnet in the surrounding region. Candler Hospital and our Imaging Center in Pooler also offer complimentary technology in an oval magnet providing a wide 1.5T opening for larger or more claustrophobic patients.

With more and more people needing MRIs, it’s important to have a good understanding of the scanner and not fear it. Here are seven things you should know about MRIs:

1. Who needs an MRI?
   An MRI can help a physician diagnose a disease or injury. It also can be used to monitor how you’re responding to a certain treatment. MRI technology is especially useful in imaging the brain, heart and abdomen, along with muscles, joints, ligaments and cartilage injuries, Hughes says. A physician’s order is required for an MRI.
2. What’s the difference between MRI and a CT scan?
   While all our imaging modalities are reliable, there are instances when your physician may recommend an MRI instead of a CT. For example, MRI shows more of the ligaments and tendons, as opposed to CT, Hughes says. MRI also doesn’t use radiation, like a CT scan or X-ray would. However, MRI screenings do take longer.
3. Is it safe?
   MRI scanners are safe and do not use radiation, Hughes says. Precautions are taken before an MRI to ensure patient safety. For example, Hughes has patients – and if a caregiver is going into the room with them – fill out a screening form. They also are screened for any metal, such as piercings or implanted devices, such as a pacemaker, or even a bobby pin in your hair. It’s also important to make sure patients have proper kidney function if the MRI requires contrast, Hughes says. Contrast is an agent that improves the visibility of the anatomy for clearer images. Contrast is also safe, but some patients may experience nausea following a scan. Not all MRIs require contrast.
4. What if I’m claustrophobic?
   Claustrophobia is one of the biggest concerns Hughes sees among patients getting an MRI. Our teams at all our MRI locations take several steps to try to help claustrophobic patients. Hughes for example offers lavender patches that can be placed on your chest for a calming sensation. She also plays spa-like music and talks to her patients, even jokingly, to help calm them throughout the scan. If you have a driver with you, and if you are getting an MRI at either St. Joseph’s Hospital or Candler Hospital, the nurses can give you something to help you relax.
5. How loud is it?
   Maybe the second biggest concern patients have is the noise, Hughes says. It is very fair to say that MRI scanners are noisy. St. Joseph’s/Candler MRI techs also work to make patients feel at ease despite the noise. Ear plugs and headphones are available and music can be piped into the room. Despite the noise, you will have a way to communicate with your technologist.
6. How long does it take?
   MRI scans typically take longer than a standard X-ray or CT scan. That’s because of the detailed images produced of a multitude of things, such as both the anatomy and pathology of an organ or mass. The average MRI scan is 30 to 45 minutes, Hughes says. Some can be shorter and certain scans may last closer to an hour or longer. You should also expect some time prior to the scan to register and fill out some paperwork.
7. When do I get my results?
   Following your MRI, the images are sent to a radiologist, which is a physician trained to read imaging and diagnose and/or recommend treatment. The radiologist’s findings are sent to the referring physician who goes over the results with you. Typically, results are sent out to the physician office within 24 business hours. Results also go into your patient portal.

For more information about all of St. Joseph’s/Candler imaging services, visit our website.

Also in this series:

• What to expect during a CT scan

Coming next month: What to expect during a mammogram