Mankato Regional Imaging at OFC

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a specialized process that provides detailed pictures of the inside of your body without the use of x-ray radiation or invasive techniques. It does this by measuring the energy frequencies released by the bodys cells as they react to radio waves within a magnetic field. Your body responds with its own radio signals that are processed by a computer and converted into images. The exam is painless, and there are no known harmful effects (such as radiation exposure) from MRI.

At Mankato Regional Imaging, we use a Hitachi Altaire MRI.  The Altaire System has an open gantry design making it able to easily accommodate all of our patients.  Large patients, patients suffering from the anxiety of claustrophobia, as well as pediatric patients who need to be accompanied by a parent can be comfortably imaged by the Hitachi Altaire System.

Adding to the comfort of this system is the absence of loud noises common with many other MRI units.  You will hear only a faint knocking sound.

You are welcome to bring along your favorite CD to enjoy during your test or you may select from numerous recordings available at Mankato Regional Imaging.

Our goal is to make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible and to provide your physician with a speedy and accurate interpretation of the results of your scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a method of obtaining detailed pictures of internal body structures without the use of radiation or radioactive substances of any kind.  This is accomplished by placing the patient in a magnetic field while harmless radio waves are turned on and off.  This causes the body to emit its own weak radio signals which vary according to tissue characteristics.  These signals are then picked up by a sensitive antenna and fed to a computer which produces detailed images of the body for interpretation by trained radiologists.

MRI is a convenient and safe diagnostic procedure for most patients, however, contra- indications do exist.  Please note that a patient may not qualify for a MRI exam if any of the following conditions exist:

• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Aneurysm Clips
• Electromechanical Aids
• Cochlear Aids
• Tens Unit
• Inferior Vena Cava Umbrellas
• Implanted Drug Infusion Devices
• Pregnancy
• Intraocular Foreign Objects
• Bullet or Shrapnel Wounds

Please alert us to any of the above conditions when you schedule an appointment and inform the technologist of your condition before beginning an examination.

There is no special preparation for an MRI exam.  You can eat normally and continue to take prescribed medications as required.  If possible, wear loose, comfortable clothing, free of zippers, buttons, or other metallic devices.   You will need to remove all metal objects that you may be carrying.

• Watches
• Eyeglasses
• Keys
• Pens
• Coins
• Hairpins
• Jewelry
• Dentures
• Hearing Aids

Since the magnet will erase informatin on bank cards and credit cards, these should be stored in the locked dressing room that will be provided for your personal belongings.  You may be asked to change into a robe.

You will be instructed to lie comfortably on the scanning table and a special coil will be attached to the area of your body being examined.  You can then relax while the scanner and the technologist do the work.

The technologist will direct the scan from the computer console or "command center" of the system and will talk to you through a speaker while the images are being produced and viewed on a monitor.

You can help to produce a high quality image by lying still during the examination, while breathing normally.  You can arrange with the technologist to have a close friend or family member sit with you throughout the exam. An average scan will take from 30-60 minutes to complete.

Your scan will be reviewed and interpreted by one of the following Radiologists at the Mankato Clinic, Ltd.  A separate billing will be sent to you for this interpretation.

• James R. Custer, M.D.
• Sarah Clauss, M.D.

Do not bring any metal objects into the examination room.  Please use the restroom as you will not be able to do so once the scan has started.