Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that creates detailed, high-resolution images of organs and tissues in the body without the use of radiation. Instead, MRI relies on powerful magnets and radio waves to provide an unparalleled view inside your body.
Conditions commonly diagnosed and managed with MRI include:
- Abdominal and pelvic concerns
- Blood vessel problems
- Bone-related problems
- Chest conditions
- Infections
- Injuries
- Joint disorders
- Neurological disorders or brain injuries
- Tumors
What to expect
An MRI is a painless, noninvasive procedure. Because the machine uses a powerful magnet, it’s important to notify your imaging technologist beforehand if you:
- Have any metal in your body or have worked around metal
- Have implanted devices such as pacemakers
- May be pregnant
Before entering the exam room, you’ll need to take off your watch as well as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, removable dental work and glasses. You may also need to change into a gown.
Our imaging technologists will guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you have. An MRI may take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour.
During your MRI, you will be asked to lie on a padded table, which will slide into a tube-shaped machine. While the MRI is taking pictures, you will hear loud noises. To protect your ears, your technologist will provide you with earplugs or headphones. You may also be able to listen to music. It’s important to lie still to ensure clear images can be recorded.
The imaging technologist will be just outside the exam room and will check in with you throughout the scan via an intercom. Depending on the specifics of your MRI, the technologist may also inject a contrast agent, a special dye, into one of your veins to enhance the image.
How to prepare
- Avoid hair products. Please do not wear hair spray or styling gel to your appointment. These products can contain metallic fragments that affect the quality of the images.
- Follow instructions for your appointment. When you make your appointment, our care team will explain your particular procedure and provide instructions on where and what time to check in as well as any eating or drinking restrictions.
- Arrange child care, arrive early. For the safety of you and your children, please do not bring them to your appointment. If you are unable to arrange child care, please reschedule your appointment. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.
After your exam
A radiologist, a physician who specializes in interpreting medical imaging, will analyze the results and send a report to your health care provider. You can also view your results in MyChart once they are available.
How to refer a patient
Please visit our Refer a Patient page for instructions on how to refer patients for medical imaging services.