How Do I Prepare For An MRI

For many people, a doctor recommending an MRI may bring out a great deal of anxiety. Our minds begin to race, our hands begin to sweat, and our anticipation begins to grow. The best way to handle these temporary nerves is by understanding how to properly prepare for an MRI.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of medical imaging technique that captures highly-detailed images of the organs and structures of your body without any radiation. An MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to scan a particular area of the body and provide a deeper look into the internal structure. In combination with computer-assisted software, an MRI can easily help physicians monitor and diagnose various medical conditions to make the best treatment plan for you.

Why Would My Doctor Order An MRI?

Generally, an MRI will be recommended by a physician specialist such as a neurologist, orthopedist, gastroenterologist, etc. An MRI can be performed on various parts of the body, so there are many reasons why a physician will recommend it. Typically, a physician will prescribe an MRI to investigate the form or function of the soft tissue and non-boney structures of the body including the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. An MRI may also be used to capture images of the organs within the chest and abdomen, including the heart, digestive system, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and pelvic region. An MRI can help physicians monitor or diagnose the following medical conditions:

• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Cardiac problems
• Chest, abdomen, or pelvic tumors
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Liver, bile duct, or pancreatic conditions
• Muscle, joint, and tendon injuries
• Traumatic head and brain injuries

How Do I Prepare For My Appointment?

No one ever wants to get thrown off their normal, daily routines. The preparation for an MRI is very simple. Your referring physician and our team of MRI imaging experts will provide specific instructions based on the area being studied and your medical history leading up to your appointment. On the day before your appointment, you want to follow any food and drink restrictions provided by your referring physician. In case we are examining the abdominal or pelvic region, we may suggest that you fast before your appointment. It is important to limit your caffeine intake before your appointment. High amounts of caffeine can cause constricted blood vessels, which will produce inaccurate results.

Please try to arrive 15 – 20 minutes before your MRI appointment. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t contain any metal artifacts including belts, buttons, jewelry, or zippers. The magnetic fields can interact with the metal artifacts if worn in the MRI room. An MRI can take between 15 – 90 minutes to complete based on the area being studied. Contrast material may be administered, orally or intravenously, to further highlight the area being scanned.

If you are feeling anxious about being claustrophobic during your MRI, please reach out to your referring physician or our staff at Larchmont Medical Imaging. Your comfort is our top priority. We have equipped all MRI scanners with panic buttons, enabling you to stop the scan at any moment. You will be accompanied by one of our technologists throughout the entire process, who will inform you about the remaining time. Open and wide-bore MRIs are available at our offices to give you as much space as possible during the study. If you are still feeling nervous about your MRI, speak with your referring physician about sedation options. If you opt for sedation during your appointment, ensure that you arrange for someone to pick you up afterward.

When Do I Receive My Results?

After your MRI is complete, one of our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists will interpret the results and develop a report for your referring physician. Within 48 hours, your referring physician will receive the report and begin drawing a conclusion. Not only will your referring physician have a comprehensive, easy-to-access report, but you will also have access as well. The results will upload to our patient portal within 48 – 72 hours. If you are having trouble viewing your report, our patient service representatives are readily available to get you the access you need.

Why Should I Get An MRI At Larchmont?

Larchmont Medical Imaging is your trusted medical imaging partner in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. Across our four convenient locations, we offer MRI imaging studies at costs up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging centers and are in-network with 99% of health insurance providers. With same-day and next-day appointment options with early morning and evening hours available, getting the compassionate care you need has never been easier.

To schedule your MRI appointment, fill out our request an appointment form or reach out to any of the following locations below:

• Medford Office – Medford, NJ
• Mount Laurel Office – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
• Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ

Meet our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret our studies at Larchmont Medical Imaging here.