WHAT IS AN MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate ways to examine the soft tissue areas of the body. MRI enables physicians to visualize differences among soft tissue with incredible acuity. It is a painless, noninvasive procedure that uses no ionizing radiation. Instead, MRI combines computer technology with magnetism and radio waves to create multiple pictures of the inside of the body. These images can be obtained in multiple planes of the body, thus creating a three-3 dimensional map of the area under study. After these images are transferred to film, they are interpreted by a MRI radiologist to detect disease or injury.

MRI has become a very valuable exam in diagnosing disease and detecting abnormalities for a broad range of anatomic sites since its development in the early 1980’s. MRI uses no harmful radiation and there are no known health side effects, thus making MRI studies a very low-risk procedure for the carefully screened patient.

At North Shore Magnetic Imaging Center, there are 2 types of MRI scanners available for patient use. The Center is equipped with two General Electric Signa high field (1.5 Tesla) scanners, and one General Electric 0.7 Open Speed unit. open low field (0.3 Tesla) scanner. The availability to have three state of the art MRI units gives North Shore Magnetic Imaging Center the ability to provide service for all types of patients. The majority of patients can be imaged on the high field scanners. However, some patients cannot tolerate the conventional high field because of the close confines of the machine. These patients now have a choice to be scanned on the open machine.

MRI examinations generally take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. Generally, images can be acquired faster on the high field with the average scan being approximately 45 minutes.