Division of Diagnostics - FAQ

Here is a list of questions frequently asked by our patients. If there is information you need which is not listed here, please feel free to contact us. We will do our very best to answer any question you may have.

Q: What is MRI?
Q: What is MRA/MRV?
Q: What about exam preparation?
Q: What clothing should I wear?
Q: How long is the Exam?
Q: What can I expect once I arrive?
Q: How will the test feel?
Q: Can I talk during the exam?
Q: When do I get my results?
Q: Fees and insurance?


What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced, modern technology that produces detailed pictures of the inside of the human body. MRI detects subtle differences between healthy and diseased tissues that cannot be visualized on a normal x-ray examination. By using a large magnet, radio waves and a highly sophisticated computer, your doctor can see inside the human body. MRI is usually a non-invasive test. Sometimes, however, an injected contrast material is required.

What is MRA/MRV?
MRA/MRV scans use a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide detailed images of arteries & veins to evaluate them for stenosis (abnormal narrowing), aneurysms (vessel wall dilatations at risk of rupture), or venous thrombosis (the formation of a clot within a vessel). This procedure utilizes MRI technology to detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of stroke and blood vessel diseases. The procedure is painless and images can be obtained without using any contrast material, although a special form of contrast agent is often given to make the MRI images even clearer. In most cases the MRI and the MRA are completed in the same visit.

What about Exam Preparation?
Follow your normal daily routine. You may eat, drink and take any medications that you normally use unless instructed by a Riverhills staff member. Most scans do not require any diet restrictions. Please do not wear any eye makeup for a head scan because it might contain metallic particles that could degrade the images. Please bring any previous x-rays, CT scans, nuclear scans or ultrasounds of the body part being examined so the doctors can compare them with the MRI. For more on preparing for your scan, please follow this link, Preparing for your MRI.

What clothing should I wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Make sure they do not have metal zippers, snaps or clasps. This will allow you to stay in your own clothes. The examination room is sometimes a little cool so you may want to wear warmer clothes like a sweat suit. You will be asked to remove jewelry as well as any other metal objects. You will be provided a locker to put these things in. ATM and credit cards should also be placed in the locker as the MRI scanner will erase their magnetic codes.

How Long is the Exam?
Because MR examinations are tailored specifically to each patient, the scan time will depend on the amount of information your physician is seeking and the body part being scanned. The length of the test varies from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hour. When the exam is over, you may resume normal daily activities.

What can I expect once I arrive?
After filling out some registration paperwork a technologist will escort you to a comfortable padded table. Once you are situated, the table will slowly move into the center of the machine. Depending on the body part being examined, you will enter the magnet either head first or feet first. Once the machine is in operation, you will hear a knocking or thumping noise on and off throughout the procedure. Don't be alarmed - the noises you are hearing are from the scanner taking pictures of you. These noises are very loud so you will be given ear plugs or earphones with music to help block the noise.

How will the test feel?
An MRI exam causes no pain. If you are very anxious or have difficulty lying still you may need a prescription for an oral sedative. Excessive movement during the scan can blur the MRI images. You may request a blanket or pillow if needed.

Will I receive an injection/shot?
Some MRI exams require the administration of a contrast agent named Gagolinium per the physician's request. This contrast "dye" is utilized to give enhanced images to help the radiologist depict the differences in some tissues. Images are taken before and after the injection in order for the radiologist to view any changes that occur with the use of the gadolinium.

What if I'm claustrophobic?
The Division of Diagnostics utilizes a short-bore MRI machine that is shorter in length than the older versions, therefore, more of your body will be outside of the machine during the scan. If you feel that the support and comfort of our staff will not be enough to get you through your MRI we recommend that you speak with your referring physician and have him/her prescribe an oral sedative to be taken prior to the exam. Please be sure to have someone with you to drive you home after the scan.

What are the risks?
There is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI and there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to date. If you are pregnant please tell the technologist prior to the scan. The effects of a magnetic field on a fetus are still not well known. Your doctor may recommend postponing the exam or choose an alternative exam. If your scan requires an injection there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. People have been harmed in MRI machines when they did not remove metal objects from their clothes or when metal objects have been carried into the room. Please refer to the list on the "Exam Prep" prior to your exam.

Can I talk during the exam?
During your exam, the technologist will be in constant communication with you and can hear you at all times through a two-way intercom system. The technologist will check on you from time to time and update you on the progress of your scan.

When do I get my results?
Your images are interpreted within 24 hours by a neuroradiologist who is specially trained in MR interpretation. These results will be sent to your physician who will notify you of the results.

Fees and insurance?
Most insurance policies cover MR examinations. Many require approval before the exam.
Please contact us at (513) 721-7226 or (800) 597-3071 (toll free) with any questions or concerns.