Signature Healthcare
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is an advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic test, which produces very clear pictures or images of the human body without the use of X-rays.
Originally developed in the late 1970s, MR scans combine the power of magnetic and radio frequency fields, allowing physicians to view the tissue structure of internal anatomy without exploratory surgery. MRI uses a powerful - but harmless -magnetic field and radio waves like the kind that transmit your favorite FM music. The combination of radio waves and magnetic field produce detailed images of body structures such as the brain, spine and other vital organs. This technology enables physicians to detect developing diseases or abnormalities earlier than ever before. Signature Healthcare offers state of the art technology including Siemens Magnetom Verio 3T at our Liberty St location and GE 450 Wide Bore Magnet at our Brockton Hospital site. Both magnets have the largest bore available and are considered “open”.
Siemens Magnetom Verio 3T
Signature Healthcare offers the most advanced diagnostic tools for helping physicians reach confident diagnoses and helping patients feel more comfortable during MR scans. Patients in need of routine MR scans can take advantage of some of the most advanced MR imaging services in a magnet, designed with patient comfort in mind. Signature Healthcare has installed a MAGNETOM® Verio MRI scanner, the world's first open bore 3T MRI.
The MAGNETOM® Verio MRI offers excellent image quality and diagnostic capabilities, along with exceptional patient comfort thanks to a large 70-cm opening. With one foot of spacious headroom, patients no longer feel like they are “nose to nose” with the top of the magnet.
At 3T, the MRI has the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today, giving Signature Healthcare physicians access to many applications, including orthopedic and cartilage assessment, and breast, vascular and cardiac imaging. The system is used to non-invasively scan head, neck, TMJ, spine, breast, heart, abdomen, pelvis, joints, prostate, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal regions of the body.
MRI is often able to tell the difference between diseased tissue and normal tissue better than x-ray, CT, and ultrasound.
The average complete MRI scan takes 20-60 minutes depending on what your doctor has ordered.
The MRI scan poses no risks to the average patient if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. You MAY NOT BE ABLE to have the exam if you have any of the following:
You will be asked a series of questions concerning your surgical and occupational background. If this history includes metal work (ex. welders, grinders, etc.) or metal implants, please be sure to tell the technologist prior to your exam. Preliminary X-rays may need to be taken.
If you think you may be claustrophobic, ask your doctor to prescribe medication prior to the exam. If you do receive medication, please bring someone with you that will be able to drive you home because you will not be able to drive yourself. If you have any questions regarding the MRI scan, please be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
The technologist will simply ask you to lie down on a cushioned table which will automatically move into the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned for scanning. The technologist will stay in contact with you throughout the exam. When the MRI scan begins, you will hear and feel loud tapping or thumping sounds which will last for several minutes. Some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still. Others may feel closed-in (claustrophobic) while in the MRI scanner. The scanner can be noisy. Other than sound, it is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm. When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to assist you off of the table.
Depending on the reason for your exam, you may receive oral or IV contrast before and/or during your exam. In some instances, using contrast material will help the radiologist to diagnose any potential areas of concern. The contrast materials may not always be utilized and depend on the reasons for the exam. If you are to receive the injection, it would be given to you through an IV that the technologist will start when you arrive for your appointment.
If you have a known allergy to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications (usually a steroid) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. To avoid unnecessary delays, contact your doctor well before the date of your exam. Unlike contrast agents used in other radiology studies, MRI contrast agents do not contain iodine and therefore rarely cause allergic reactions or side effects.
Before having a contrast injection, please tell your doctor nurse, and/or MRI technologist if you:
For safety reasons, children are not allowed in the exam rooms. If you must bring your child, please bring someone to watch them in the waiting room.
You MAY NOT BE ABLE to have the exam if you have any of the following:
You will be asked a series of questions concerning your surgical and occupational background. If this history includes metal work (ex. welders, grinders, etc.) or metal implants, please be sure to tell the technologist prior to your exam. Preliminary X-rays may need to be taken.
Prior to your exam, please review the following checklist:
Your physician will discuss the results with you or you may check the MyHealth portal for results.
