What to expect if you are having an:

MRI~ Uses low energy, non-ionizing radio waves. While no hazards appear to exist at power levels used clinically, precautions must be taken due to the high magnetic field environment. The patient must divest him/herself of all metallic objects such as coins, jewelry, pins, belt buckles, etc. Credit cards and other cards with magnetic strips will be erased if they get too near the magnet. The patient will usually be given a questionnaire to fill out regarding the presence of potentially harmful objects in or on the patient.

In order to undergo an MRI, a patient must get on a table and be sent into the magnet. This is like going into a narrow tunnel. It is not uncommon to have an uncomfortable feeling while within the magnet. This is called claustrophobia (fear of being closed in). Most MRI studies take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, including time for a few short breaks in between imaging sequences. While the imaging is going on, it is important not to move and to breathe regularly. Most patients can overcome any claustrophobia and cooperate. Some may need mild sedation. As the gradients change during an imaging sequence, they make a rhythmic banging.

CT~ Patients should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for their CT exam. Patient preparation for a CT examination involves removing any articles of clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such as belts, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures, hairpins, etc. Zippers and snaps common in many clothes can also cause image degradation. In some cases, the patient may be asked to wear a patient gown. Many CT examinations require the oral or intravenous administration of a contrast agent, a liquid material that enhances the images of the organs and/or blood vessels.
Patients should lie still and relax during a CT study. Patients may hear the CT scanner rotating during the study. Depending upon the type of study being performed and the model of CT scanner being used, the whirring noise may be very quite or more noticeable. The table will move very slowly during the CT data acquisition.