MRI Technology - Now in High Definition.
With our new High Definition MRI system and Advantage Workstation, Arcadia Radiology Medical Group now has unprecedented imaging speed and clarity. Our newly advanced capabilities include brain imaging, despite patient motion, evaluation of diabetic patients for low blood flow to the lower legs, extremely high-resolution images of the abdomen for liver exams with shorter breath holds and breast MRI with simultaneous imaging of both breasts.
One of the greatest advances of modern medicine, MRI allows our Radiologists to visualize the earliest signs of a large variety of diseases and conditions including many common forms of cancer. Besides providing the opportunity for early diagnosis, we are able to carefully evaluate the stage or degree of advancement of the condition and help plan for appropriate therapy. All of this leads to greater patient comfort and enhanced care.
 What is MRI?
In MRI, a magnet is used in conjunction with radio waves and a sophisticated computer system to generate accurate images of the body without using any radiation. MRI is frequently used to study muscles, joints, the brain and spine, the abdomen, pelvis, chest and blood vessels.
For this reason, MRI is ideal for evaluating orthopedic and joint conditions as well as the majority of sports related injuries and spinal disc disease. Arcadia Radiology Medical Group is at the forefront of new MRI Imaging. Our 1.5 Tesla high field magnet is capable of latest technologies and imaging protocols, including MR Angiography of the head or body, Spectroscopy, and Cholangio-pancreatography. Most MRI applications that are being utilized clinically at major university hospitals can be found at our practice.
Preparing for an MRI
Preparing for an MRI or MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography - a study of the vessels) is pretty simple.
- Patients may eat and take medications as they normally would, unless directed otherwise by a physician.
- Patients should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing without any metal clips, ties or belts.
- Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field, please notify your physician or our office prior to your exam if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve or any other metal inside your body. Additionally any jewelry or body piercings will need to be removed.
- Depending on the type of exam, patients may receive specific instructions by our office, including not to eat or drink anything for up to 3 hours prior to their exam.
During and After an MRI
A patient will be positioned on a cushioned table that will slide into the MRI machine. A Technologist will monitor the exam at all times and a speaker system keeps the patient connected to the Technologist. Depending on the type of exam ordered, a special coil may be used to image certain areas of the body, or a contrast agent may be injected through an IV. This is known as MRA and is a procedure used to clearly see blood vessels.
 A typical MRI exam takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes. MRI exams are done in sequences which allow our Radiologists to view images of the patient's body from different angles. During these sequences, the MRI machine will emit loud noises similar to knocking sounds. For your comfort and convenience, music CD's may be brought with you to your appointment to listen to during the MRI exam. You may also choose to wear earplugs which we can provide you with when you arrive at our imaging center.
Once the MRI study is complete, one of Arcadia Radiology Medical Group's Radiologists will interpret the exam and report the findings to the patient's physician.
Arcadia Radiology Medical Group also offers MRI of children. Because an MRI exam involves loud noises and may be frightening to small children, all children under 6 years old must be sedated prior to being scanned. It is important that the child has nothing to eat or drink 2 hours before being sedated. For specific instructions regarding sedation for small children or more information about any MRI procedure, contact us.
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