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Read MoreMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to provide clear images of body parts not seen as clearly with other imaging tests. Whether you’ve experienced a traumatic injury or are working with your physician to figure out what’s causing concerning symptoms, we’re here to provide all your imaging needs close to home in South Jersey at all our imaging facilities, including our AMI at Inspira outpatient locations.
What is an MRI?
An MRI is a painless, non-invasive test that uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to allow technologists to see 2D or 3D images of your organs, tissues and skeletal system. MRIs are most commonly used to see the brain and spinal cord, but can also be used for the heart and blood vessels, bones and joints, breasts and a number of internal organs.
Our wide-bore MRI scanners are used to detect a variety of conditions, including those in the abdomen, brain, upper or lower extremities and spine.
How MRIs Work
MRIs use a large, cylindrical machine to create a magnetic field around the patient and send pulses of radio waves from a scanner. The magnet causes the atoms in your body to align, while the radio waves move them out of position. When radio waves are turned off, the atoms in your body send a signal, which gets picked up by a computer and translated into an image.
An MRI may be used in place of a CT scan when organs, such as the brain, are being studied, as it gives a clearer picture of abnormalities within soft tissue.
Types of MRIs
A standard MRI can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for some people, because it requires you to lay still inside a cylindrical machine for an extended period of time. Inspira and AMI at Inspira offers patients the benefit of a calming, curated experience with our Ambient MRI Experience.
An Ambient MRI is designed to transform the patient’s environment and enhance their experience during the imaging process using dynamic lighting, projection and sound elements.
What to Expect When You Have an MRI
Prior to your MRI, a technologist will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. You’ll be asked a series of questions about past medical procedures that may pose a potential risk for entering the magnetic environment.
When scheduling your MRI appointment, identify if you have any of the following:
- Any internal electronic device
- Artificial heart valve or stents
- Artificial joints or metal rods
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Embedded shrapnel or metal fragments
- Hearing aid or implant
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Medical surgical clips or aneurysm clips
- Neurostimulators
- Shunts
The MRI procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the images needed. Please be sure to leave all jewelry at home and remove piercings or other metal items from your body prior to the scan. It’s also important to avoid using deodorant, lotion or other products that may contain metal before the MRI. Depending on the images needed, you may also need a contrast dye injected into your body.
