3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is an MRI?
An MRI is a diagnostic tool that utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce high quality images of internal body structures. This non-intrusive procedure is considered the best way for physicians to locate tumors and diagnose diseases as well as soft tissue injuries. To create these images, MRI machines temporarily realign the water molecules in your body.
For patients with claustrophobia and/or anxiety:
Some patients who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia may experience a level of discomfort while the exam is being performed. To help combat this, Beam utilizes a 3T Wide Bore MRI. If you think this may be an issue for you, please let us know prior to your appointment.
MRI Services
Abdominal MRI
An abdominal MRI is used to assess abdominal structures including the liver, gall bladder & bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, lymph nodes or some blood vessels.
Arthrogram MRI
An MR Arthrogram is used to help detect any problems with joints and is most commonly used to look inside the shoulder, knee, wrist, elbow, ankle or hip. A contrast solution “dye” is injected into your joint to outline the soft tissue structures in the joint.
Brachial Plexus MRI
Diagnose pathology or damage caused by injury by assessing the status of the nerves, arteries and veins in the area.
Brain MRI
Diagnose or evaluate irregularities such as tumors, lasting impacts from injury or trauma, bleeding, swelling, cysts, aneurysms, dementia, multiple sclerosis, strokes and infection.
Breast MRI
MR images with computer reformatting providing a detailed assessment for subtle cancers which may not be seen on mammogram or ultrasound. A pain free screening tool for patients with personal or family history of breast cancer, or other concerns such as breast implant leaks.
MRA Circle of Willis
An MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) of the head is done to look at the blood vessels leading to the brain to check for an aneurysm, a clot, or a narrowing because of plaque.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) MRI
Diagnose causes of pain, swelling or locking in any joint, issues with the spine or pelvis, or evaluate soft tissues for masses or inflammation. In some cases an injection may be performed before the MR to provide better visualization of certain structures. This is related to Arthrogram above.
Pelvic MRI
Detailed assessment of the tissues deep in the pelvis including the female or male reproductive organs, the bladder, bowel in the area, blood vessels, lymph nodes or masses.
Prostate MRI
Prostate MRI is non-invasive and pain-free way to detect prostate conditions and is as accurate as a biopsy at detecting prostate cancers.
Spine MRI
Diagnose or evaluate spinal abnormalities, injuries and disease. MRI is the best available method to visualize the spinal cord, nerves, compression fractures and herniated discs.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) MRI
MRI can be used to evaluate disorder of the small parts of this small joint, such as disc and cartilage, and abnormal motion of the joint.
Frequently asked questions:
As a non-invasive procedure, MRI’s can detect abnormalities in the:
- Brain & Spinal Cord
- Heart & Blood Vessels
- Bones & Joints
- Breasts
- Soft Tissue Masses
- Most Internal Organs
Before your MRI, you are able to eat, drink, and take medications as you normally would unless instructed otherwise. When you are taken to the examination room, you will be asked to remove any metal objects that may inhibit the images captured and change into a gown if required.
When you have reached the examination room, you will be placed on a motorized table that slides in and out of the MRI machine. When the machine is operational, you are the only person in the room. You are still able to communicate with the technologist and they are able to see the exam from a separate room.
When you are inside the MRI machine, a strong magnetic field is created and radio waves are targeted at your body. During your exam, you will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you will hear a repetitive tapping or thumping noise. Earplugs can be given to patients if requested. During their MRI, patients may be asked to answer questions or complete small tasks with their fingers or toes as this may be useful in capturing the images requested.
Patients can expect their MRI to last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
As MRI machines utilize powerful magnets, metal objects on or in the body may be affected. Please be sure to discuss any device, metal, or shrapnel in your body with your doctor, Beam care coordinator, and MRI technologist prior to your exam. If your implant or device came with an information card, please bring this to your appointment.
Examples of implants NOT compatible with MRI scanners include:
- Ear implants or hearing aides
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Metal coils or stents inserted in blood vessels
- Neurostimulators or implanted programmable devices
- Cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers
Other devices we ask that you discuss with your doctor, Beam care coordinator, and MRI technologist include:
- Artificial heart valves
- Implanted drug infusion ports or pumps
- Artificial limbs or joint prosthesis
- Metal pins, screws, plates, stents, or staples
- IUDs
- In general, please make us aware of any foreign object or device within your body.
As MRI’s utilize powerful magnets, metal or electronic objects inside the body may move from their original position or distort the images captured. The dark ink in tattoos is also known to distort images produced during your MRI. It is important to discuss any pre-existing health conditions prior to your exam to ensure an MRI is right for you.
MRI Pricing
$695 – First Body Area
$350 – Each Additional Body Area
$945 – Prostate
$945 – Arthrogram
$250 – Contrast (if required)
