MRI Services
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Austin
Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides 3D anatomical and pathological pictures that help evaluate a wide range of conditions in the human body. Such images cannot be obtained via X-Ray or CT scan. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequency pulses to produce high-resolution pictures. The device and technique allow for viewing inside the muscle, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and internal organs.
MRI Preparation
MRI without Contrast
The patient cannot have a pacemaker or defibrillator. It is not advisable to wear jewelry, with the exception of a wedding ring. It is further advised to wear clothing that is free of metal (e.g. zippers, snaps, etc). No patient preparation is required.
MRI with Contrast
The patient cannot have a pacemaker or defibrillator. The patient must be well-hydrated (water only). If the patient is over 55, is diabetic, or has a history of renal failure, labs must be obtained within 30 days of the exam date. Please do not wear jewelry except a wedding ring. Please wear clothing that is free of metal (e.g. zippers, snaps, etc). A physician order is needed to schedule an MRI scan for your safety.
MRI Exam Procedure
It is recommended to arrive 15 early to your appointment, as it will give you ample time to complete all the paperwork if required. During an MRI scan, the first step is to remove all metallic objects from the patient's body. In case you have any device or metallic object, it is advisable to let the MRI technologist know about it. An MRI scan uses a magnet that will be affected by metallic objects. Then, to have the most accurate scan, the patient is asked to lie down in a very still manner inside a magnetic machine that has a closed environment. If you are claustrophobic and need a mild sedative to be enclosed, you should consult your situation with your doctor.
In an MRI scan, it is important for the patient to be relaxed and to breathe normally throughout the procedure. In addition, throughout the test, the patient would be in contact with the MRI technologist.
There is no specific time frame in which an MRI scan is completed as it depends on which part of the body is being scrutinized, but it is usually between 30 to 60 minutes. We are the best MRI near you.
How Does The Patient Receive The Results?
Once the MRI scan is done, the computer produces visual images of the body area that was scanned. The images are transferred to a CD. After this, the images are observed and interpreted by a radiologist who writes a report that is given to the physician who requested the MRI scan. After the scan, you can resume your daily activities unless you are on a sedative, and in this case, you would be advised to rest.
Benefits Of MRI
The numerous benefits of MRI render this technique one of the best diagnosing exams. An advantage of MRI is that, unlike X-rays, the patient is not bombarded with radiation. Medical professionals can get a detailed picture of the patient’s internal body area under observation without making any incisions in the patient's body. This helps in diagnosing and having a better understanding of the problem itself. Furthermore, since the medical professionals have a detailed picture of the patient’s interior, they can perform better surgery. MRI is painless; since it does not harm the patient, there is no recovery period. Far West Imaging is the best MRI near you.
