Advanced MRI Services

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces images of the body’s internal structures by passing radio waves through a powerful magnetic field. Differing frequencies of radio waves are produced by the different body structures in return, and these are mapped and converted into digital images by a computer. MRI is especially good for imaging soft tissues in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles and organs.

Usually there are no special preparations or diet instructions prior to your MRI exam. However, some studies require that you have no food or drink (including water) four hours prior to the exam, so be sure to check your patient prep info. You should continue medications prescribed by your doctor unless informed otherwise. You may want to avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages prior to scanning so you’re able to lie quietly for the duration of the exam. Because no metal is allowed in the MRI room, it’s best not to wear makeup, which often contains metallic particles. Please inform us, or your doctor, ahead of time if you have any of the following that may prevent you from undergoing an MRI exam:

• Pacemaker/Defibrillator
• History of working with metal
• Brain aneurysm clips
• History of injury during military service
• Metallic plates, pins, or other implants
• Bullets or shrapnel inside the body

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown or scrubs to eliminate the chance of any metal or artifacts on your clothing. Any metal such as earrings, eyeglasses, or hairpins will all need to be removed. Always inform the technologist if there is any possibility of your being pregnant.

In the MRI room, you’ll lie on the cushioned table that will slide into the tube-shaped scanner. We’ll set you up with special non-metallic headphones so you can listen to your customized playlist and hear any instructions the technologist may have for you. Your technologist will monitored you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times.

Inside the scanner, you’ll hear loud tapping noises that change with the various imaging sequences. Remaining still during these noises is very important in order to obtain clear images.

When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to help you off the table. Typical exams take about 30 to 60 minutes.

The process is much the same for breast MRI, but you’ll lie face down with your breasts relaxed below you. We have a specially designed table to make this very comfortable. Learn more on our Breast MRI page.

Some exams require an injection of a contrast agent to make some abnormalities easier to see. MRI contrast is an organically bound gadolinium material. Be sure to tell your technologist if you’ve had a reaction to MRI contrast, if you are particularly sensitive to medications or if you have any history of kidney disease.

A final report, produced by one of Alaska Radiology Associate’s local specialized radiologists, will be available for most exams within two hours. Questions about your results should be directed to your referring health care provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.

Questions about the results of your exam should be directed to your primary health care provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.

There are parts in the scanner which help us change the magnetic field. They vibrate when we use them and they change sound when we are making different kinds of images.

MRI relies on the water molecules and fat in your body to make the images. Just by the natural process of using the magnet and radio frequencies in the MRI scanner to work with the natural elements in your body, it takes longer than most imaging. With the onset of Artificial Intelligence in today’s scanners those times are being reduced.

MRI relies on the water molecules and fat in your body to make the images. Just by the natural process of using the magnet and radio frequencies in the MRI scanner to work with the natural elements in your body, it takes longer than most imaging. With the onset of Artificial Intelligence in today’s scanners those times are being reduced.

The best place for imaging in the MRI scanner is the center. The body part that needs to be imaged will need to be in the center. Your head will be located in relationship to the body part. For example, if you need a knee MRI, your head and shoulders will remain just outside the scanner.

We always have concern if there is metal in your body and where it is located. Most surgeries requiring metal to replace a joint or repair a broken bone will be fine. Surgical metal is typically not attracted by the magnet because of the material it’s made from. We are most concerned with metal that has occurred from accidents such as welding and metal enters the eye. The best solution is to let us know you have metal in your body and we’ll be able to determine if it’s safe or if we need to perform x-rays to see where it is located.

The IV contrast provides more information by helping the radiologist and your provider decide if there is a problem which enhances with the contrast agent. If there is a lump, possible tumor, and/or infection, the radiologist can determine if it brightens with the contrast and this will help them decide what the next steps of your care should be.

MRI doesn’t use radiation. It uses a large magnet and radio frequencies. It is very safe and you can have as many as needed during your lifetime.

Some current pacemakers can tolerate MRI studies. When having an MRI with a pacemaker in your body, it generally takes a special group of medical staff to be present. This is generally performed in a hospital setting so the appropriate staff and support is present. The pacemaker information will need to be reviewed to determine if it is safe and can be scanned.

MRI scanners are never turned off unless there is a loss of power and the equipment fails. This would take several days without electricity for it to occur. The magnetic field is always present even when no one is there to operate the machine. This is why it is very important everyone and everything is screened before entering the room.

The MRI scanner will interfere with the way electronic items work or damage the components. Sometimes the devices have metal in them and are attracted to the scanner. It is best to avoid damaging your device and not take it into the room.