Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Location: Suite 026
Director: Kurt Meehan, R.T.
Appointments: 216-382-2853
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General Description
What to Expect
How to Prepare
About the Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Registration Form
Notice of Privacy Practices and Patient Rights
General Description
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of radiation to study the area of the body that requires evaluation. Computers then convert the signals to pictures that the radiologist can read.
What to Expect
During this painless procedure, you will lie on a padded table within a short cylinder. If the area of the body between the feet and knees is being imaged, then the head will be outside of the cylinder. If the head, neck, shoulders or spine is being imaged, then the feet will be outside the cylinder. If you are concerned about claustrophobia, bring someone in the room with you during the scan or tell your physician how you feel. The physician may give you something to premedicate you.
The scan could last from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the MRI scan ordered. You must lie still during that time. If requested, you will receive frequent updates on the remaining time. Many patients choose to sleep and do not want to be disturbed. Please let us know your preference.
Certain scans require the injection of a contrast material (dye) to enhance the details of some organs or tissue. If this is the case, it will require either an injection with a needle or the use of an IV, depending on the area of the body that is being scanned. A scan without dye will be done first. The dye will then be injected and a second scan will be done. Your doctor will receive a written report approximately 48 hours after the scan. Please call your physician for the results.
- Please do not bring the following items to your appointment: jewelry, watches, coins, credit cards, pagers and cell phones. These objects can distort the images, so you will not be permitted to have them with you during the scan. Articles of clothing that have zippers, rivets, wires, hooks or belt buckles can cause distortion, too. You may change into a gown or you may wear your own clothes if they do not contain any metal. Other man-made objects in your body may also cause image distortion. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before the scan to determine if your body can be safely imaged.
- If the pancreas or pancreatic duct system is being scanned, then do not eat or drink three (3) hours before the scan. No special preparation is required for the other MRI procedures.
- If you have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, you cannot have an MRI.
- If you are breast-feeding, please contact the technologist at least 24 hours before your procedure at 216-297-3185.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment and bring the requisition provided by your physician.