Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).
Magnetic resonance imaging services preformed at Springfield Clinic include Angiography, Body, Breast, Chest, Head, Musculoskeletal, MR Arthrography, which requires an injection of contrast into the joint interest prior to the MR scan, Spine, Brain and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and examination of the pancreas and bile ducts.
Patients are carefully screened before entering the MRI scan room, due to the power of the magnetic force. All patients change from their street clothes into surgery scrub suits for the MRI scan. Patients are required to lie on the scan table during the exam. The MRI services offer the ability to listen to music during most scans. Patients may bring their own CD’s, listen to radio stations, or dock their own iPod to the stereo if the scan is performed at the 1st Street location. Some MRI scans require the injection of a contrast material into a vein to better show internal structures.