A Diagnosis For Health
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, at CHI St. Alexius Health is a non-invasive medical exam. Physicians use MRI to help diagnose problems such as tumors, bleeding, infection, and/or injury. Unlike x-rays, MRI does not use radiation. It uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce pictures.
Most MRI exams take 15 to 30 minutes and are scheduled through a physician.
During an exam, the patient lies in the center of the donut-shaped area called the bore. CHI St. Alexius offers a 60-centimeter bore MRI and the region’s only 70-centimeter open bore MRI system. The larger bore helps accommodate a greater variety of body sizes, shapes, and conditions.
In addition, this system has a shorter magnet design. Many exams can be done with the patient’s head and feet outside the scanner. With either system, the radiology staff is committed to helping patients feel at ease. During most exams, patients can listen to XM/Sirius radio, their own CD, or iPod.
Related Links: See Radiology for more information.