XRA Medical Imaging is an accredited facility from the American College of Radiology to perform MRI services in Rhode Island. Find information regarding our MRI service below, and our office locations where an MRI can be performed.
MRI, the abbreviated term for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a medical imaging device that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create an image of a patient’s internal anatomy.
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Because the MRI scan gives very detailed pictures, it is the best technique when it comes to finding tumors in the brain. In addition, an MRI is also able to detect heart and spinal cord defects, as well as breast cancer.
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The scan is usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means the patient can go home after the test. During the scan, the patient lies inside a large cylinder-shaped magnet. Since the scan is very sensitive, it is very important for the patient to lie completely still. The patient is exposed to a powerful magnetic field during the MRI scan, therefore, it is important not to wear jewelry or any other metal objects.
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On arriving at the MRI scanner, the technologist will again ask several questions regarding any possible metal in your body. You will then lie on the MRI scan table, either feet or head first, toward the donut shaped magnet depending on the part of your anatomy to be scanned. A device called a coil will then be placed over the body part to be imaged. If you are to have a scan of your head, a coil will be placed over your head, like a helmet with lots of large openings and which does not cover your face.
If you are to receive contrast, the technologist will start an IV in your arm prior to beginning the scan. The table will then slowly enter the scanner and your examination will begin. During the examination you will here a knocking sound. That is the scanner operating normally while acquiring your images. We provide headphones and have a selection of music from which to choose in order to decrease some of this noise. You are also welcome to bring music CDs of your own to listen to during the exam. The technologist will instruct you not to move and perhaps to hold your breath during parts of the examination. It is important to follow these directions as the quality of your examination is reduced if there is motion.
Like photography, if a subject is moving, the picture becomes blurry. If the technician sees motion on a scan, they will likely repeat that part of the study adding to the length of the examination. Most studies take between 30 and 60 minutes.
To help make your appointment with us as convenient as possible, patients are encouraged to download, print and complete the
MRI Form prior to visiting our office.
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Yes. Unlike many other medical imaging devices, MRI uses no X-ray radiation. No adverse effect from the magnet or radio waves has ever been documented. It is even safe for pregnant women, although to be cautious, unless the situation is emergent, an MRI is not typically recommended until at least the second trimester of pregnancy. The radio waves used to operate the scanner are the same as those used to operate your radio.
Due to the strong magnetic field generated by the MRI scanner, it is not safe for certain patients with metal containing implanted devices such as pacemakers, nerve stimulators, or some of the older aneurysm clips to enter the scanner. Similarly, metal from prior shrapnel injury may be unsafe. However, most patients with implanted devices or shrapnel injury can still be scanned safely provided sufficient time has passed since the device was inserted or injury occurred. When scheduling your examination, our secretary will proceed through a questionnaire that will thoroughly screen for these possibilities. Please inform the secretary of any known metal in your body.
Some MRI studies are performed following the intravenous administration of a contrast agent, which will allow for improved visualization of certain parts of the anatomy. The contrast used in MRI is different than the agent used for CT. Adverse reactions to MRI contrast are extremely rare. Most patients feel some warmth in their arm or mild flushing from the injection, if they feel anything at all.
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When scheduling your examination please inform the secretary of any known metal in your body. Please read the response to “Is MRI safe?” for further detail.
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At XRA Medical Imaging, our technologists are very sensitive to the needs of our patients and are trained to do all that is reasonable to make you as comfortable as possible. At all times during the scan you are within view and will be able to verbally communicate with the technologist. Only that part of your body that is to be imaged requires entering the magnet. Our Open MRI scanners offer our claustrophobic patients a less confined environment, maintaining imaging quality for most routine examinations. If you feel you might require a mild sedative, please request the medication from your referring physician. Please have someone accompany you to drive home following the examination should you decide to take any medication.
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The largest room in any High-Field MRI - More headroom, elbowroom and legroom, up to one foot of spacious room above the head.
Perfect for those who are Claustrophobic - 60% of exams can be done with the patient's head outside of the machine
Accommodatation for the heavy and obsese - support patients up to 550 lbs.
Less Time - 1.5 T Speed
so you spend less time on the table.
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What is an MRI?
