MRI Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the MRI machine make a knocking sound?
The MRI system has several different pieces of equipment that are hidden under the covers. Some of these are loops of wires that are imbedded in a very hard plastic material. These wire loops emit a radio frequency that, together with the powerful magnet, take the MRI picture. The radio frequency turns on and off very quickly, approximately every four milliseconds. Because this is so fast, the wires vibrate in the hard plastic and cause the knocking sound.

Can I move while I am in the scanner?
You should not move when you hear the knocking sound. In between pictures, for most exams, you may reposition your arms, or scratch your nose. It is important that you not move the body part being imaged until the exam is complete.

Can I talk with anyone during the scan?
You may talk to the technologist or ask a question in between pictures. You will know when a picture is complete because the knocking and slight vibration will stop.

Is there any harm to my friend or family if they stay in the room during my scan?
Information has been collected since the early days of clinical MRI, and it is continuing to be collected. So far, no adverse effects or side effects from the magnet or the radio frequency used in clinical MRI have been documented.

Do I need an injection?
Not everyone needs an injection for the MRI. The radiologist decides whether you need an injection based on the body part being examined and your symptoms.

Is it okay to have a MRI if I have fillings in my teeth?
Yes, having a MRI will not harm you if you have fillings. Although the fillings are metal, the magnet does not pull the type of metal that is in the fillings.

What if I have braces on my teeth?
If you have braces and need a scan of your brain or facial area, the MRI system may have difficulty "tuning" to your body. (The process is similar to tuning in a radio to specific frequency or radio station). The tuning process can be confused if metal is in the MRI machine. Unfortunately, we cannot know in advance how much distortion may result on the pictures. The amount of distortion depends on the amount of metal in the area.

Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions

Will this hurt?
This exam is relatively painless and should not hurt. At times it is necessary to apply some pressure to obtain a clear image, which may cause mild discomfort.

Is Ultrasound harmful?
Ultrasound has been used medically for over 25 years with no known harmful effects.

Can I have a picture of my baby?
Yes, we will give you a picture of your baby.

Can you tell if it's a boy or a girl?
After 20-24 weeks, if the baby is in a position which will give us a window to see the lower body, then we will certainly try to identify the gender of the baby. Before 20-24 weeks, we probably will not be able to identify the gender.

Mammography Frequently Asked Questions

Does a mammogram hurt?
The pressure needed for a high-quality mammogram may cause some discomfort for a few moments during the exam. The compression is necessary to spread out the breast tissue so that all the tissues can be seen clearly on the films. This pressure does not harm the breast tissue.

Why can't I wear perfume, deodorant, lotion, or powder?
Small particles found in these products may be opaque to x-rays and may therefore appear on your mammogram. These particles can mimic dense areas found within the breast tissue, thereby causing unnecessary concern.

When will I get my results?
Your physician will receive results within 2 business days, depending on availability of prior films. We will mail your results within 30 days after your exam per FDA requirements.

What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
A "screening" mammogram is used when there is no known problem with your breasts. Diagnostic mammography is ordered when the patient has a known symptom relating to her breasts. Its usage is recommended as part of a responsible preventive health plan for woman.

CT Scan Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this take?
Body scans can often require prior preparation, which may take up to 2 hours to complete. The actual "scan" time is usually less then 15 minutes. Head scans usually do not require additional prep and therefore can often be completed in as little as 30 minutes.

Will the dye make me sick?
Some people experience slight nausea and a feeling of heat, although usually only for a brief moment. There is a slight possibility of having an allergic reaction to the contrast. The only way to predict if you will have a reaction is from your previous history or by actually administering the drug. If you do have a reaction, we have medications and a team of highly trained personnel to take care of the problem.

Why do I have to drink so much barium?
You need to drink enough barium to properly coat your gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach through the small bowel, and finally to the colon.

Can the technologist tell me what they see on my pictures?
Sorry, the technologist is not able to give you the interpretation of the films. Only a doctor can do that.

Is the dye radioactive?
No, contrast agents are not radioactive.

How do I get rid of the barium or IV contrast liquid?
Your kidneys will filter the IV contrast out of your bloodstream within a few hours after the exam. We encourage you to increase your fluid intake by at least double your normal amount. The barium should pass through your gastrointestinal tract like anything else you ingest. Increasing your fluids is also recommended to encourage this process.

Special Procedures Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to have lab work done prior to my procedure?
Routine lab tests, (blood work), are required to provide the radiologist with information concerning your kidney function and tendency to bleed.

Can I drive myself home after the main procedure?
No. Following an angiogram you will not be able to drive until the next day. Also, you will receive intravenous medication, which may make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive. MSNI's regulations require that if you are discharged on the day of your procedure, there be someone to escort you home and stay with you for the evening. If this is not possible, please inform the imaging staff prior to your procedure.

Why can't I have anything solid to eat after midnight prior to my procedure?
Having an empty stomach significantly reduces the possibility of nausea or vomiting during the interventional procedure.

Diagnostic X-ray Frequently Asked Questions

Why do extra films have to be taken?
Extra films are taken for many reasons. Often the technologist or radiologist determines that more films are necessary after viewing your initial films. Positioning, technique (too light or dark) or perhaps your presenting history may make additional views necessary.

Why do I have to change my clothes if x-rays can go through them?
Clothing artifacts caused by metals (in belts, zippers, and bras) can hide information from being seen. Wrinkles, thick elastic bands, and buttons can also resemble fractures and masses. By changing into a hospital gown, most artifacts can be eliminated.

Why is the table so hard?
The tabletop is made to withstand stress and weight. The tabletop material must be made strong enough to support the weight of a 400-pound person. Occasionally we can use a thin tablemat for you to lie on, but unfortunately sometimes we are unable to use this mat because its material will show on the images.