Before your visit to Integra MRI, please read the following information in order to fully prepare for your visit.
*Please Note: This information has been provided for the sole purpose of educating you on what to expect during your examination.
Any specific concerns or questions should be directed to your technician.
What Is An MRI:
MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a procedure used to scan patients and determine the severity of certain injuries and illnesses. During the test, MRI uses magnetic fields and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
In many cases, MRI gives different information and structures in the body that cannot be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Unlike CT scans or traditional X-rays, MRI does not use any harmful ionizing radiation.
What To Expect:
Upon Arriving for your appointment, you will be greeted by our caring and professional staff who will ask you to sign in. Then you will be given the appropriate forms to complete (forms may also be found below). The staff will review the forms. After completion, a billing representative will call you into our consultation room to discuss your individual test(s) and any insurance benefits you have.
The MRI itself will be performed by a technologist specially trained to operate the MRI system. Your images will be interpreted by a Licensed Radiologist (a medical doctor who specializes in interpreting medical diagnostic examinations) before they are sent to your doctor. After the test, you will then be taken to a private area where we will go over your medical history and current symptoms/reason for the examination. During this time, any questions you have may be answered.
When the MRI machine is in operation, you will hear a loud knocking sound and feel a vibration from the table. This is 100% normal. You will be asked to hold very still as motion causes the images to blur.
Preparing For Your MRI:
Very little preparation is required.
But because of the magnetic field used during the exam, certain conditions may exclude you from having the procedure. When you schedule your appointment and/or prior to your examination, please make certain our technologist is aware of any of the below conditions your may have. We will then discuss with you if we will be able to continue with the examination as your doctor requested.
- Pacemaker
- Pregnancy
- History of kidney problems
- Skin tattoos
- Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
- Implanted drug infusion device (i.e., insulin pump)
- Exposure of metal fragments to your eye (due to careers such as welders, metal workers, etc.)
- Artificial heart valves
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Metallic implants and prosthesis
- Vascular stent or stent graft
- History as a metal worker
- Shrapnel or bullet wounds
- Dorsal column stimulators
- Allergy to iodine, or gadolinium
- History of diabetes
- Other conditions you believe to be relevant
You may eat, drink and take medication as normal on the day of your exam.
Prior to your scan, you are encouraged to use the bathroom due to the length of time you are needed to stay still.
You will be asked to remove all metal items from your body such as: jewelry, hair pins, eyeglasses and hearing aids. These items can cause problems with the imaging.
Also, for your personal safety, we ask that you do not take any credit card, bank information, parking information or insurance cards into the scan room. THESE CAN BE ERASED DUE TO THE EQUIPMENT.
Integra MRI requires several forms to be filled out before any examinations can be completed. If you wish to fill them out in the comfort of your own home, you may download them using the link below: