Preparing for Your MRI

Basic Principles of MRI:

During the course of the exam, the patient is moved into the center of a large cylinder which forms the core of the magnet. Once inside the magnet, the patient must lie perfectly still. 

General Patient Preparation:

A patient sent for an MRI scan typically requires no preparation or dietary restrictions. A simple explanation of the procedure and thorough check for contraindications are all that is required prior to the exam. Ferromagnetic clips are highly dangerous because the torque induced by the magnetic field could potentially dislodge a recently implanted clip. Similar concern should be expressed for any patient with a history of steel working, because tiny metal fragments may be imbedded in their eyes. To prevent any possibility of optic damage, these patients should be screened with plain films prior to their MRI exam.

Patient Checklist:

• Doctor's Order

• Driver's License 

• Insurance verification cards

• X-rays, CT Scans, etc. of the area that you are having scanned

• Workers Compensation Authorization or Auto Insurance Letter (if applicable)  

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU INFORM YOUR REFERRING PHYSICIAN AND THE THUMB MRI CENTER STAFF IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

 

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  • Shrapnel 
  • Pregnancy
  • Pacemaker
  • Hearing aid
  • Metal implants
  • Dental bridges
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Surgical staples
  • Cochlear implant
  • Any Other Metallic Foreign Bodies (FB)

The most common occurrence of metallic FB are patients who work or have worked in the sheet 

metal industry, where metal foreign bodies get into the eyes despite the use of guards and shields. 

Patients must be screened with conventional orbital x-ray to detect potential fragments in the 

eyes, and any found should be removed before MRI scanning is carried out. Alternatively, at the 

clinician's discretion, an alternative diagnostic imaging modality may be used.