What is an MRI Scan and how does it work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate medical test available today. It can obtain images and information of any part of the body for proper diagnosis and treatment planning by your Doctor.

The human body is made up of millions of atoms which are magnetic. When placed in a magnetic field, these atoms line up with the field, much like a compass points to the North Pole. Radio waves, tuned to a specific frequency, tip these time magnets away from the magnetic fields. As they tip they gain energy. When the radio waves are turned off, the atoms try to realign with the magnetic field releasing the energy they gained as very weak radio signals. A powerful antenna picks up these signals and sends them to a computer which performs millions of calculations to produce detailed shades of gray images used for diagnosis.

Are there any safety precautions before my MRI?
For your personal safety, if you are having an MRI examination, please inform your Physician or the Technologist if you have any of the following

	A pacemaker
	An artificial heart valve
	An intrauterine device (IUD)
	Aneurysm clips
	Hearing aids
	Cochlear implants
	Body Piercing
	Insulin pump
	A metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
	If you've ever worked with metal
	If ever wounded during military service

How do I prepare for an MRI scan?
There is minimal preparation for an MRI scan. In rare cases you may be asked to fast four hours before your exam, otherwise you can eat and/or drink as usual. Always take your necessary medication as it will not interfere with the scan. Wear comfortable clothing without zippers or metal objects. A change of clothes will be made available if necessary. Leave all jewelry or other valuables home if possible, however lockers are available if necessary. Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment in order for you to complete all necessary medical clearance forms.

What happens in the MRI scan room?
Before your MRI begins, the Technologist will conduct a brief interview related specifically to your scan.  Next, you are brought into the MRI room where the Technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table which will move into the scanner after you have been comfortably positioned. While we supply ear plugs or head phones with a wide selection of music to minimize the thumping noise, you may also bring your own favorite CD. Nothing will move or touch you once the scan begins. The Technologist will always be in contact with you, communicating throughout the exam.  

Does an MRI scan hurt?
No, the MRI is a painless exam. It is very important to lie still on the cushioned table and listen to instructions.  Nothing will move or touch you.

Will I feel claustrophobic in the MRI scanner?
Our short bore scanner in Weymouth is shorter and wider than most other MRI scanners. It has the feel of an open but the image quality is much higher than a traditional open.  Our “Open Bore” scanner in Plymouth is the newest in MRI Technology with extra space even for larger patients. Sixty percent (60%) of all our studies are done with the patients head outside the machine. Our claustrophobic rate is less than 1%. If you do have anxiety about your scan we encourage you to call us at 781-331-9880 and we will give you some suggestions to ease your mind or you can call your Doctor in advance for medications to help you. Ask us about our soothing eye pillows that will ease your anxieties during your scan, it really works. If you have any doubts at all about completing this test, please call us ahead. We have many options available to help make this as pleasant a situation as possible.

What if I have a metal implant?
Although most implants are okay, please let the receptionist or Technologist know if you have any implants in your body including body piercing. It is extremely important to let us know if you have a pacemaker or if you think there’s any shrapnel in your body or pieces of metal in your eyes.

How do get my MRI results?
After your MRI/CT scan is completed, our Radiologists will review your images and prepare a detailed report for your Doctor. Your report is then dictated and faxed directly to your referring Physician who will in turn give you the results of your exam. This process takes 24 to 48 hours.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please call ahead by 24 hours if possible for any cancellations and we can re-schedule your appointment as soon as possible. By calling ahead we can allow for another patient to fill your appointment time.