MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI, or MR, uses a combination of radio waves and a very powerful magnet to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. While MR images are similar to CT, each type of scan is specialized for the specific area of interest. Your health care provider will order the most appropriate exam to meet your diagnostic needs. Be sure to notify your health care provider if you have any metallic objects in your body prior to scheduling an MRI.

Laughlin Memorial Hospital is the first in the region to open two advanced MR suites in one facility: a whole body high-field MR system (pictured at right) and an open high-field MR system.

The Philips Achieva 3.0T (Tesla – standard MR strength measure) MR scanner (pictured above) is the most compact whole-body 3.0T system available. The system offers complete and innovative applications in neurological, musculoskeletal and abdominal imaging, as well as functional and cardiac studies, contrast-enhanced angiography, and spectroscopic imaging.

The Philips Panorama 1.0T (pictured at left) is the world’s first and only open high-field MR with active shielding. Its open design and 160 cm wide patient gap gives patients of all sizes and shapes an unrivaled degree of comfort. Its 1.0T field strength delivers optimal MR image contrast.

Registration
Patients scheduled for a MRI or Open MRI exam are required to register in Center for Outpatient Care. The Center for Outpatient Care is located behind the main hospital, off Old Tusculum Road.

Preparation Prior to Procedure
No special preparation is needed. However, some patients prefer to wear sweat suit-type clothing with no metal zippers, snaps, etc. in order to avoid changing into a hospital gown. If you are not having a cervical spine MRI, you will have the option of listening to music through headphones. You may bring your own CD or tape, or listen to a local radio station. All patients are required to complete a MRI questionnaire form prior to their scan. PATIENTS WITH PACEMAKERS, CEREBRAL ANEURYSM CLIPS, OR OTHER INTERNAL MEDAL OBJECTS CANNOT BE SCANNED WITH MRI due to the strong magnet used to perform these studies (stainless steel and titanium are acceptable).

Length of Procedure
Routinely less than 45 minutes

Post-exam Instructions
Resume normal activity. If you were given contrast, it will pass naturally through your body within a day. There are no side effects associated with this exam.

If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam.

If you have a known contrast allergy, please contact your physician or the imaging location where you are having your exam as soon as possible.

Results of Exam
A radiologist will interpret your exam and a transcribed report will be sent to the ordering physician.

Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your images to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology staff, and a CD will be ready for you shortly after your exam.

If anytime after your exam a physician asks you to bring your study images to your office visit, please call the Radiology department at (423) 787-5100 at least 24-hours in advance and a CD will be prepared for you to pick up. CD’s can also be mailed to your physician. The corresponding radiologist’s report will also be on that CD. If you need a paper copy of the report, this must be requested and obtained from the Health Information Management department (formerly “Medical Records department”).