MRI Frequently Asked Questions

MRI exams are performed when people are ill or injured, or when a doctor suspects a medical problem that cannot be easily detected with a routine physical examination.

They are noninvasive, meaning there are no surgical procedures required to view your body systems.

MRI is also used to obtain specific diagnostic information which have not been provided by other imaging technologies such as ultrasound, traditional X-ray and computed tomography (CT).

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

A technologist will escort you into the MRI scanning room, where you'll see a table and a large, donut-shaped device called a gantry. The technologist will have you lie on the padded table and make sure you are comfortable.

You'll be asked to lie very still during the exam, and depending on the type of exam you may be asked to hold your breath to minimize any body motion or movement.

During the scan you will hear loud humming, buzzing and /or tapping sounds and will be given headphones so you can listen to music while undergoing your procedure. Video goggles and headphones are available during the scan and you are welcome to bring your own DVDs, CDs or even your iPOD.

*** (If you do not desire music, we will provide earplugs). You will not feel anything unusual except for possibly a light vibration. The technologist will monitor you during the entire exam through a window and will communicate with you through an intercom. The specific details of your upcoming examination will be explained fully by an MRI technologist or your physician.

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HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?

The actual scan portion of the exam takes only a few minutes, but each exam is made up of a sequence of scans that vary from study to study.

With our new 3.0 Tesla MRI, most scans will average 15-20 minutes, much shorter in duration than current technology. You will be asked to stay still and occasionally hold your breath depending on the type of exam being performed.

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WILL IV'S OR SHOTS BE USED?

Depending on the exam, a solution called "contrast" may be administered with an IV to help improve what the physician can see. Although contrast for MRI does not contain iodine, it is still important to let your doctor know beforehand if you have any specific allergies.

With the current concerns over NSF (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis) from MRI contrast and the importance of a patient's GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate), Hawaii Advance Imaging Institute is committed to our patients safety, first and foremost.

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HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT MY RESULTS?

The radiologist will carefully analyze your MRI images, review the findings with your physician, and provide a report. Hawaii Advanced Imaging Institute is committed to getting your report back to your physician within 24 hours. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.

IS AN MRI EXAM SAFE?

MRI scans have been performed safely and successfully for 20 years. It does not use ionizing radiation like an X-ray.

As with many other medical imaging technologies, MRI has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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