The Imaging Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality care. Located across the street from the main hospital building, the Imaging Center offers easy and convenient access to imaging services and because it is part of Newton Medical Center, you can be assured you will receive the highest level of care using the best technology.

We offer a complete range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services for both open and closed MRI. Our imaging services include brain, spine, abdominal, gynecologic, prostate and orthopedic imaging, and MR angiography of the neck, head and body. To learn more about the Imaging Center and services we provide, please click on the links below.

Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about MRI
How to prepare for an MRI

Patient Services
Cardiac MRI
MR Angiography (MRA)
General MRI

Cardiac MRI
Innovative developments in cardiac MRI now allow complete and effective evaluation of cardiac structure and function for a wide variety of indications. Such indications include studies for cardiac ischemia, valvular disease and arrhythmias, as well as evaluation of the aorta and thoracic vasculature.

MRI has proven to be an effective modality for assessing the patient with a non-diagnostic echocardiogram and for non-invasive evaluation of aortic valvular disease.

It has been effective in the management and assessment of complex congenital heart malformations. Rapid scan techniques and cardiac gating, which images the heart at the same point in the cardiac cycle, now allow evaluation for transmural and subendocardial ischemia. Cine imaging, which watches the heart in real-time, allows assessment of cardiac function and output.

MR Angiography (MRA)
MRA is an established method, and arguably the most reliable method, for non-invasive evaluation of vascular stenosis and aneurysms. MRA is usually applied as a screening tool in those patients suspected of having vascular stenosis, particularly in the carotid, vertebral, renal, and iliac or femoral arteries in the brain.

MRA is used as a primary diagnostic modality for aortic disease such as aneurysm or dissection, and is often used as a follow-up modality for this purpose. Similarly, MRA is an effective screening method for intracranial (Berry) aneurysms.

It is a particularly useful tool in the patient with renal dysfunction who is a poor candidate for angiography or CT angiography.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQ’s) about Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of your internal organs and structures. Because MRI allows your doctor to see inside your body from any angle with great clarity, it gives doctors a wealth of information more quickly and in many cases, more economically than past tests and exploratory surgeries.

What can I expect when I have an MRI?
You will be positioned on a padded table. Because it is essential that you remain as still as possible, you may be secured with soft Velcro straps.

The table will move into the magnet opening and your exam will begin. During your MRI exam you won’t feel anything. The only thing you will notice is a knocking or buzzing sound that occurs as the images are being taken. You will be provided with ear plugs to wear during the exam to minimize the sound. The length of your exam is dependent on the type of study being done.

Once the exam is completed, the technologist will bring you back to the preparation room to collect your belongings.

What is the difference between CT and MRI?
CT (a.k.a. CT Scan or Computed Tomography) and MRI differ in two basic ways. CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body. When subjected to the magnetic field of an MRI, the hydrogen protons are knocked out of alignment and emit a radio frequency signal that is detected by the MRI machine, which then processes the signals into images.

CT scans usually show little differentiation in soft tissues, but highlight solid structures, like calcium deposits or kidney stones. MRI scans emphasize detailed tissue structures due to differences in water content.

Why am I having this exam?
MRI allows doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures in great detail from many angles. For the exact purpose of your exam, however, please talk to your referring physician.

How long will the exam take?
The length of your exam will depend on what is being studied; however, a typical exam lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

Why does the exam take so long?
During the MRI, several sequences are acquired to differentiate normal from abnormal findings.

Will it hurt?
No. Since MRI is a non-invasive procedure, the exam is painless. However, your doctor may utilize a contrast agent to better visualize a part of your anatomy. If this is the case, you may receive an injection or IV prior to or during the exam.

Does the machine make a lot of noise?
The magnet makes a knocking sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. Ear plugs will be available to you for your exam and their use will not prevent you from hearing the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.

Is the machine open at both ends?
Yes. All MR systems are open at both ends. Some also have wider openings on the sides.

Will my head stick out?
That will depend on your height and what part of your body is being scanned. The part that is being imaged is in the middle of the magnet.
For example, if your ankle is being scanned, your head will be outside of the MR scanner. If it is your head, neck, or chest that is being scanned, your head will be inside the scanner.

Will I be claustrophobic?
Most people have no reaction at all. However, if you have had
claustrophobic reactions to enclosed spaces before, you should let the technologist know.

Will I be alone?
You will be in contact with a technologist at all times. Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to talk to him or her by intercom. The technologist is always able to see you through a large patient viewing window. In some cases, a friend or family member may stay in the scan room with you during the exam.

I have tattoos. Is this a problem?
If you have any tattoos, please inform your physician during the
scheduling process.

Does the machine use X-rays?
No. MRI uses a powerful magnet in conjunction with radiofrequency waves to generate images of your internal organs and structures. There is no ionizing (X-ray) radiation.

How and when will I receive my results?
You will need to contact your referring physician for your results. Critical results will be called to the referring physician immediately. Results that are not critical will be available in your physician’s office within 24 hours.

Will my insurance cover the cost of the exam?
Most insurance plans will reimburse the cost of most MRI exams. To find out if your insurance plan covers the specific MRI exam you will be having, contact your personnel office or insurance agent.

Are there things that will prevent me from having the MRI?
Some patients with metal implants cannot be safely scanned in the MR environment. People with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, especially in the brain, and neurostimulators generally cannot be scanned. Anyone with surgical pins, shrapnel, plates or other type of metal implants should notify the technologist. You will be required to provide a health history when you arrive for your exam explaining any metallic implants you may have. Your doctor will determine if a particular metal implant is approved to be in an MR environment.

All health and health-related information contained within this web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care professional. Your health care provider should be consulted in regard to matters concerning the medical condition, treatment and needs of your family.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN MRI

If you have questions about how to prepare for your MRI exam, please call your referring physician or the Imaging Center: (678) 342-3051.
To streamline your visit, and to ensure the most accurate results from your MRI, please keep in mind the following as you prepare for your exam:
If you have a pacemaker in your heart or an aneurysm clip in your brain, or any device that is inside of or attached to you, please call your refering physician
or the imaging center regarding your exam. These implanted medical devices are a life threatening risk
if your MRI procedure takes place.

• You must not weigh more than 400 lbs.
• You can expect to be at the Imaging Center at least one hour. If more than one body area is imaged the visit will take longer.
• If you are claustrophobic please make us aware of your claustrophobic condition at the time your doctor’s office schedules your appointment.
• Your referring physician may request an injection of an IV contrast material that will be seen on your MRI called Gadolinium. This contrast contains no Iodine. Gadolinium is used in MRI only and typically does not cause any adverse reactions. There is no oral contrast that patients need to drink.
• The imaging procedure has no radiation involved and thus is extremely safe from any detrimental ionizing effects. However, please be advised that the image information gathering process for MRI is not as simple and quick as an ordinary X-ray.
• You will need to lie very still for long periods of time as the data is acquired. We will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible while you are being imaged.
• All personal belongings will be locked in a locker, which has a key you will keep. Personal belongings include anything that is removable from your person: watches, wallets, briefcases, eyeglasses, waist belts, removable insulin pumps, jewelry, pocket knives, credit cards, necklaces, ear rings. In short, anything that could become a hazard in the MRI scanner.
• Dentures may be kept in place unless your study involves the head or neck area.
• Please remove all hair pins from your hair.
• If a wig is worn, please tell the technologist before your exam.
• If you think you are pregnant, please inform the MRI staff.
• Please remove all jewelry, including ear and body piercing.

All health and health-related information contained within this web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care professional. Your health care provider should be consulted in regard to matters concerning the medical condition, treatment and needs of your family.