Upgrade Your MRI Experience

With us, it’s FIRST CLASS

MRI Machine

MRI Amenities

Patients appreciate the comfort

Wide bore – Compared with other MRI machines, our 70cm wide bore gives patients ample extra space. And that means its not only more comfortable but also accommodates people of all sizes and medical needs.

Shorter design – Thanks to the high-tech shorter magnet design, many patients can be scanned feet first. That allows their heads to remain outside the bore and makes for a much less claustrophobic exam experience.

Better lighting – Lighter and brighter reduces those closed in feelings and makes the experience easier.

Your own music – Specially designed headphones allow patients to relax and listen to music during scans. You can even bring in your own iPod or MP3 player.

Two way intercom – Patients can now talk with the technologist during the exam. Knowing you can ask questions or voice concerns eases fears and worries.

Technology – Because of advances in the inner workings of the machine, images appear sharp and precise all the way to the edges. This helps radiologists determine diagnoses quickly and accurately.

Breath-hold personalization – One of the most innovative features is the machine’s ability to program in a patient’s breath-hold capacity. This amenity helps ensure we capture the best image the first time.


What is  an MRI

  • Brain and Nervous System Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Cancer
  • Organ Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Problems

And many of these can be detected in their earliest stages.


MRI Procedure – What to expect during an MRI

BEFORE THE EXAM

There is no special preparation for an MRI exam. Most scans do not require food or drink restrictions. And patients can continue to take any medications prescribed unless otherwise directed by their doctor. Patients are not allowed to wear anything metallic during an MRI exam because of the powerful magnet. So it’s best just to leave watches, jewelry – rings, necklaces, earrings – and other items made from metal at home. Prior to entering the MRI exam room, patients will be asked to remove any objects that contain metal such as:

  • Purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards, cards with magnetic strips
  • Cell phones
  • Hearing aids
  • Pens, paper clips, keys, coins
  • Hair barrettes, hairpins
  • Shoes, belt buckles, safety pins

Before the exam, patients also need to fill out a screening form asking about any metal that may be implanted in the patient’s body such as:

  • Pacemaker – any patients with pacemakers are not able to have MRI
  • Metal implants
  • Foreign metal objects from welding or accidents, shrapnel or bullet wounds
  • Dentures/teeth with magnets

These items, among others, could create health hazards during an MRI. So patients should always check with their MRI technologists if they have any questions or concerns about any sort of implanted object or health conditions that could impact the procedure.

procedure-imageDURING THE EXAM

Most MRI exams take between 15 to 45 minutes to complete. The technologist will let the patient know before the exam approximately how long it should take.

When patients are ready, they will lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. Earplugs or headphones will be worn to protect the patient’s ears. At SHC, our MRI has specially designed headphones that allow patients to listen to the radio, CDs and even their own iPods.

Depending on the body part being scanned, patients will either enter the scanner head first or feet first.

AFTER THE EXAM

Shortly after the exam is finished, a radiologist will review the images, interpret the findings and create a report. This report will be sent to the doctor who ordered the MRI, typically a patient’s primary care physician. The ordering doctor will be the person to discuss results and any treatments needed with the patient.There are no restrictions after an MRI. Once patients leave the hospital, they are free to go about their normal activities.