FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Will I feel anything during an MRI exam?
NO. You can relax and listen to your favorite music; you will feel nothing.

How long does an MRI exam take?
25-30 minutes is the time required to perform the scan.

Who tells me what the MRI scan shows?
The radiologist interprets the scan and sends a report to your physician.

What does an MRI show that a CT scan doesn't?
MRI is more sensitive to subtle changes in soft tissues, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It is the primary imaging method for evaluation of joints, especially the knee, ankle, shoulder, and wrist.

How dangerous are x-rays?
Considerable precautions must be taken with x-rays, since this radiation can cause damage. All areas of the patient's body outside the region to be x-rayed are shielded by a material (usually a metal) that absorbs x-rays. Technicians, nurses, dentists, and doctors must also be protected by opaque shields to prevent x-ray damage. Most medical diagnostic x-rays deliver relatively low doses of radiation and their value in diagnosis is thought to outweigh any possible risks

Ironically, the damaging effects of x-rays can also be put to medical use. All types of radiation affect rapidly dividing cells more than slowly developing cells, because the genetic material that controls cell division is sensitive to radiation. Therefore, doctors sometimes use concentrated bursts of x-rays to kill cancer cells, which divide rapidly, while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy cells that divide more slowly.

How do I prepare for an x-ray or fluoroscopy?
UGI - No food or liquid 6 hours prior to the exam.
Barium Enema - The colon must be cleansed either by laxative, water enemas
or both.

IVP - Colon cleansing prior to exam and no solid food 4 hours prior to the exam.

When necessary, we provide patients with a colon cleansing kit.

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