Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) High-Field
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that lets doctors see inside your body without having to perform surgery. It is a safe, painless procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology to scan a selected portion of your body. The test quickly gives doctors a detailed picture of the head, neck, back, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, foot, blood vessels, heart and more. We offer the world's quietest, high-field MRI system. This technology offers unparalleled patient comfort.



How does it work?
The MRI machine looks like a long, narrow tube. When you are placed inside of the tube, you are surrounded by a magnetic field. The human body is made up of different elements, most of which are also magnetic. The magnetic field surrounding your body reacts with the magnetic elements within your body to transmit a faint radio signal. For example, your body contains a large amount of hydrogen, which is very magnetic. The MRI machine's magnetic field excites the hydrogen in your body, which in turn creates the radio signal. The radio signal is read by a computer and turned into an image that can be seen on a television monitor.

While the scanner is taking pictures, you will hear a loud knocking noise. The strong magnetic fields the scanner works with, build up energy, and the energy is released as loud knocking sounds. During this part of the exam, you should hold as still as possible. The resulting images will be reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and a report will be sent to your doctor.
What should I expect?
The MRI machine will surround you during the test, and some people may feel closed in or claustrophobic. You will have to lie still, and you may be asked to briefly hold your breath while the technician takes pictures of your specific body part.

Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to wear metal-free clothing. You also will be asked to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, watches, and hair clips. Inform your technologist of prior surgeries or metal implants, such as pacemakers or aneurysm clips.

For your exam, the technologist will position you on a table that will slide into the scanner. You may bring along your favorite CD or tape to listen to during the exam, which takes approximately 25 minutes. If necessary, physician-administered medication is available to help you relax. Our technologist will maintain constant communication with you throughout the exam.

An MRI is a completely painless test, and because the MRI machine uses magnetism, you are not exposed to any radiation like you would be with an x-ray machine. MRI cannot be done if you have a pacemaker. For specific instructions/restriction on exam preparation, please refer to our Patient Prep Instructions.
FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING'S commitment to excellence requires that we remain at the forefront of imaging technology. To continue this tradition, we have added the new high-field TOSHIBA EXCELART to our scanning arsenal in our South Port Richey.This new short-bore design, approximately half the length of a traditional MRI scanner, offers much of the comfort of an open MRI without sacrificing image quality. In addition, scan times are about half that of low-field open MRI exams.
Excellent choice for claustrophobic patients. Research shows that claustrophobic patients prefer the short-bore MRI to open MRI when educated about the quality differences and shortened scan times. Designed for patient comfort, the quiet EXCELART system assures patient satisfaction and there is no need for sedation.

Please notify a member of our staff if there is a chance you may be pregnant!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How is MRI different from a CT or an x-ray?
A: Unlike x-ray exams, MRI does not use ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MR creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves. MRI can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques can, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians.

Q: What body parts can the MRI scanner evaluate?
A: Physicians use the MRI scanner to examine one part of the body at a time. The scanner can take pictures of the head, neck, back, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, foot, blood vessels, and more.

Q: How long does the exam take?
A: Exams take approximately 25 minutes or more depending on the body part being scanned. Please feel free to bring along your favorite tape or CD to help you relax during the exam.

Q: Are there any special preparations/restrictions?
A: You only need to prepare for an MRI if you are having contrast (dye), in which case you should not eat or drink for 3-4 hours prior to your exam. Our staff will provide specific instructions at the time of scheduling.

Q: Why is it so important to remove any metallic objects before I enter the scanning room?
A: You'll need to remove all metal objects for safety reasons and because they cause artifacts to appear on the MRI image.

Q: Will there be a problem if I have had surgery in which metal has been implanted?
A: As a general rule, no. However, please be sure to inform your technologist of any prior surgeries before your exam. Patients with a pacemaker or certain types of aneurysm clips should not have an MRI.

Q: What does the scanner look like?
A: The scanner is wide open on both ends, and well-lit and -ventilated throughout. It also has a call button and two-way intercom system so that you can communicate with the technologist at all times. A family member may join you in the scan room.

Q: Is there any risk?
A: MRI is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine nor have any side effects been reported.

Q: May I have an MRI exam when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: While an MRI scan has no known side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is medically indicated. If you are breastfeeding and have contrast as part of your exam, please suspend nursing for 24 hours after the exam.

Q: Why is the scanner so noisy?
A: Old MRI technology created loud knocking sounds. We have the world's quietest high-field MRI, providing patient comfort and quick scanning.