What to Expect for an MRI Appointment
If you’re scheduled for an MRI, you may be wondering what exactly to expect. What should you wear? What exactly is an MRI? What is the appointment like?
We’ll address all of those questions—and more—in this post.
What is an MRI?
An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Image, is a non-invasive way to see what’s going on inside your body, using a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves. This produces a high-definition image of soft tissues in the body for your doctor.
There are magnets on each side of the scanner. Because soft tissue is comprised primarily of water, the magnets can adjust the polarity of the water. This allows the scanner to “see” what’s happening and produce images layer by layer.
MRIs are a breakthrough in medical science. Your doctor gets a clear, detailed view to pinpoint tumors, heart disease, and other anomalies accurately, and you get a non-invasive way to let them see those. Since 1970, many updates have been made to the MRI to help make it more comfortable for you and more accurate for doctors.
What is Getting an MRI Like?
You’ve likely seen MRIs depicted in television or movies. Sure, this can give you an idea of what to expect—but remember, it’s Hollywood! So we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you get an MRI.
Depending on what type of MRI you are receiving, before the scan begins, you may need:
- An injection of contrast material.
- To drink oral contrast directly before your appointment
If your MRI is to identify an infection, tumor, cancer, vascular abnormalities, organ integrity, or possible disc after lumbar surgery, you will likely receive an injection. If you are getting an MRI of your small intestines (also known as MRI Enterography), you will be consuming the oral contrast. If you’re unsure, feel free to call and ask! We’re always here to help answer questions.
When the MRI begins, you lay in a bed that slowly moves into the MRI. We have the largest patient opening in the industry to help eliminate some people’s claustrophobia. If you are worried about any part of the MRI, you can bring someone into the room with you to help ease your nerves!
While you are getting scanned, you will remain as still as possible. As the pictures are taken, you will hear a knocking sound. During our MRI process, we provide earplugs and encourage relaxation. Depending on what is being scanned, the appointment will last about 30-45 minutes.
Our radiologists create reports from the MRI within 24-48 hours of the scan, and we send it off to your provider. Your provider will look at the report and contact you with the results.
What Does an MRI Feel Like?
The MRI is entirely non-invasive—so you don’t feel any pain. The hardest part for most people is staying still for the scan! Others have trouble feeling claustrophobic, but our large opening helps with that immensely.
You may receive an injection for contrast material or need to drink oral contrast. This will be the only part of the exam you should feel!
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare?
You need to fast for six hours before the appointment for all MRI appointments. This includes eating and drinking.
For MRI Enterography, you’ll need to arrive at least an hour before the appointment and drink a bottle of oral contrast every 20 minutes before your appointment. Think of this as preparing your body for the MRI, allowing the small intestines enough time to process the contrast.
Before the MRI, we will ask you screening questions. Because the MRI uses magnets, we need to know about any implanted devices or anything that may interfere with the MRI.
You will receive instructions before your MRI that are tailored specifically to you and the scan you are receiving. Be sure to refer to them, or call the office, if you have any questions at all.
Finally, when you go to your MRI, we suggest you wear comfortable clothing without any metal. This mostly means avoiding zippers, metal snaps, and anything else that a magnet would attract. Before the scan, you’ll have to remove glasses or jewelry that the magnets would pick up.
Why Orchard Imaging?
Orchard Imaging focuses solely on imaging, meaning we make the experience the best possible experience for you. All of our resources go into having the latest equipment that has been enhanced for patients. Our technicians are experts in imaging and are there for you every step of the way.
Many people default to thinking hospitals are the only places to get an MRI. Hospitals can have a wait time of months to be seen. However, as an independent company, we can usually accommodate same-week appointments at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, you get other great benefits to make your experience the most low-stress it can be, like easy parking, low wait times in-office, lower costs, the best equipment, and friendly staff.
