Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

With locations across Michigan, McLaren provides MRI services in a comfortable and caring environment using the latest technology. Every scan is interpreted by a specially trained radiologist. We use a state-of-the-art MRI scanner to take pictures with high resolution. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.

Common Uses for an MRI:

  • head/brain
  • spine
  • joints
  • liver
  • pancreas
  • biliary tract
  • breast
  • pelvic organs
  • vascular system 
MRI

Common Concerns with an MRI:

Safety

Safety is the number one concern for our patients and our staff.  MRI scanners do not use x-rays. Instead, a very strong magnet and radio frequency waves are used to obtain MRI images. Because of this, precautions are taken as to what objects enter the scan room. If a metallic object is brought too close to the scanner, it could become a projectile and potentially harm anyone between the object and the magnetic field.  A screening form is reviewed with each patient to ensure that no incompatible devices are brought into the scan room. A final check list is noted to verify that patients have removed all external metallic and electronic objects and devices.

Pregnancy Please let your physician and/or the MRI technologist know if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. Your referring physician will need to consult with a radiologist to determine if MRI is the appropriate study to be done at this time. Although MRI does not use any ionizing radiation, caution is always taken in the use of MRI on pregnant patients.

Breast-feeding When scheduling your MRI, please notify the scheduler if you are breast feeding. In the event you should receive MRI contrast, you will be instructed to pump and discard your breast milk until the contrast has cleared from your system. This typically takes 24 hours.

Claustrophobia:

Claustrophobia is the fear of being in closed or narrow spaces. This can be a problem for some individuals and should be discussed with your physician. Your physician may prescribe an oral sedative prior to your MRI if needed (we do not provide these medications).

Contrast Agents:

A gadolinium-based contrast agent is sometimes used for MRI exams. These contrast agents have a very safe track record. However, adverse drug reactions may occur. Gadolinium-based contrast agents can increase the risk for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in patients with impaired kidney function. Patients with acute kidney injury and those with chronic and/or severe kidney disease are at the highest risk. If you are over 60 and have a history of diabetes, hypertension, or any renal impairment, blood tests may be necessary to check your kidney function. An intravenous injection is the most common route of administration for MRI contrast. With certain exams (i.e. MRI arthrogram), the contrast is injected directly into the joint capsule under x-ray guidance prior to imaging with MRI.

Before the MRI

  • Medications: It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Please let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your MRI Exam.
  • Food or drink:You may eat or drink anything you like before a typical MRI exam; however, some exams do require you to be NPO (nothing by mouth). You will be notified of this during the scheduling process.
  • Health history questionnaire: You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history prior to entering the scan room. This will include questions about any surgically implanted devices you may have, cancer, claustrophobia, piercings, et al.
  • What to wear: You may be asked to change into a gown. Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing without metal. Please remove all jewelry and piercings as they may heat up during an MRI or cause an artifact on the images. We ask that patients having a brain MRI remove all eye makeup. It, too, could create an artifact on the images or heat up, burning the skin.
  • When to arrive: You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any necessary paperwork, change your clothes, and discuss your medical history with an MRI technologist before starting the exam. It also allows the MRI technologist to explain the procedure and answer any questions.

During the MRI

  • Scanning: The MRI technologist will bring you into the scan room where you will be positioned on the table with the area of interest at the center of the magnet. The scanner makes a loud knocking noise while the images are being obtained. You will be given headphones to listen to music and/or earplugs to lessen this noise. The technologist will leave the room, but will be in contact with you throughout the exam via an intercom system. You will be in full view of the technologist for the duration of the exam. All patients are given an emergency call buzzer should they need to get the attention of the technologist urgently. It is important that you lie very still to prevent blurring of the images. You may also be asked to hold your breath briefly for some scans.

  • Length of MRI exam: Typically, the average MRI is 30 to 45 minutes. Scan time can vary based on the patient's specific needs, the use of contrast medium, and the number of anatomical regions to be scanned.

After the MRI

  • Restrictions: You have no restrictions after having an MRI exam and can go about your normal activities. If contrast was used, remember to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the contrast from your body.

  • Exam results:  All MRI exams are interpreted by a radiologist. Under normal circumstances, the reports are available electronically to the ordering physician within 24 hours. Your referring physician will communicate these results to you.

MRI Locations