Department
Learn more about the Open MRI
Designed to keep you in comfort, in contact and in control throughout your MR exam.
High Field Closed MRI
At West Imaging Center, our High Field Closed MRI offers highly detailed and accurate images using powerful magnetic fields and radio waves. With this advanced system, we provide precise diagnostic information, especially for evaluating soft tissues like the brain, spine, and joints. Using DICOM technology, the images are captured and stored digitally, allowing for fast and secure sharing with your healthcare provider, ensuring a smooth and efficient diagnostic process.
What is MRI?
High Field Closed MRI is a type of magnetic resonance imaging that uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of internal organs and tissues. It is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions in areas like the brain, spinal cord, and joints, where precision is crucial. The closed design ensures maximum image clarity, providing more accurate results than traditional MRI systems.
What to expect during your MRI exam
During your High Field Closed MRI exam, you will lie on a padded table that moves into the closed MRI machine. The process is painless, though you may hear a soft knocking sound as the machine captures digital images. Our technologists will be there to guide you and ensure your comfort throughout the exam.
MRI SAFETY
MRI uses a very strong magnetic field that can be very hazardous to patients with certain metallic implants. To ensure your safety, if you have a pacemaker, stents, metal/electronic implants, aneurysm clips, etc., we will need to know as quickly as possible to obtain clearance and prevent any harm to you.
Please call 1-305-665-4674Â between the hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday-Friday.
Claustrophobia
If you have experienced anxiety in the past from being in closed places, please contact us or your ordering Physician for anti-anxiety medication that you may need for your MRI exam.
What to wear
For all MRI scans, you will be required to change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are private, and there is a secure locker for your clothes. It is best, however, if you leave valuable items at home. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids that might interfere with the MRI scan, we will ask you to remove them. You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card.
Patients who are having a brain/head scan should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.
Diet Restrictions for all contrast studies and plain abdomen studies
You must be on a clear liquid diet 4 hours prior to your exam.
During your MRI exam
The Technologist will introduce themselves and review any additional information that is needed. You may be asked to sign a Consent form for any history of contrast allergy or pregnancy. Some MRI exams require intravenous contrast that will need an IV to be placed prior to your exam. The Technologist will take you into the MRI room, lay you on a table, and get you comfortable. We will give you hearing protection (music can be provided at your request via internet/Pandora during your scan) and a communication device. You will then be moved into the MRI machine, which is open at both ends. There will be various noises that you will hear throughout the exam. The noises can be loud at times as well as vibrate the table.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment for registration.
Most MRI exams will take about 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on what your physician has requested.
For assistance scheduling your future appointments and testing, please call 1-305-665-4674. You can also request appointments via email: info@westimagingcenter.com