MRI Services

The Ballinger Memorial Hospital Radiology team provides MRI Services on the Ballinger Memorial Hospital campus on a scheduled routine basis and are interpreted by specialized Radiologists. Results are sent directly to your ordering provider.

Most MRI studies take about 45 minutes as you lay on the imaging table. MRI tests are predominately used to image soft tissue of the body. Specially trained radiology technologist assist you through the study.

What is a MRI test?

A MRI machine produces a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The atoms in your body respond to this energy in a certain way which allows the MRI to detect this response and uses it to construct detailed images. MRI machines do not use X-Ray radiation, but some tests involve contrast in which blood tests may need to be performed prior to the imaging. Because of the strong magnet that the MRI machine uses, we will need to make absolutely sure you do not have any medal object with you or inside of your body like pacemakers and some implants.

MRI tests require that you lie in a confined space on the imaging table. The machine does emit a loud noise as electricity passes through the internal parts of the MRI machine. Please talk to your provider before your study if you have concerns.

What should I expect BEFORE my MRI exam?

Medications: It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Just let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your MRI Exam.

Food and drink: You may eat or drink anything you like before a typical MRI test. If you are having your abdomen scanned it may be necessary for you to fast for a few hours before the test and to drink some contrast when you arrive for your test. An MRI staff member will call you the day before your test and give you any instructions you need. At that time, we can also tell you approximately how long we anticipate your test will take.

When to arrive: You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any necessary paperwork, change your clothes for your exam and answer questions from our technologist about your medical history before we start your scan.

What to wear: For all MRI scans, you most likely will change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are private. It is best to leave valuable items at home. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids that might interfere with the MRI scan, we will ask you to remove them. You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card. Patients who are having a brain / head scan should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.

Intravenous preparation: Many of our patients receive a contrast agent intravenously during their MRI scan in order to give a clearer picture of the area being scanned. If your doctor has determined that this procedure will enhance your MRI scan results, the technologist will place an IV in your arm prior to your going into the scan.

What will I experience DURING my MRI exam?

Scanning: Your technologist will bring you into the MRI scan room where you will lie down on the patient table. The technologist positions the part of your body to be scanned in the middle of the large cylindrical magnet. The scanner does not touch you, nor do you feel anything. Because the scanner does make a loud knocking noise when it takes the pictures, the technologist will offer you headphones to listen to music or earplugs to lessen the sound.

The technologist leaves the room, but is in full view and communication with you through the observation window in the adjoining room. There is also voice communication at all times through an intercom. It is important for you to lie very still, and at some points you may be asked to briefly hold your breath as the picture is taken.

Length of MRI exam: Each MRI scan is tailored to each patient's needs, so the scanning time varies. Often the exam will involve a preliminary scan, then an injection of contrast through the IV in your arm, followed by more scanning. After all of the images are taken, we may ask you to wait a few moments while the radiologist reviews all the images so we can be sure we have exactly what your doctor wants. You may then get dressed and leave.

What should I expect AFTER my MRI exam?

Instructions: You have no restrictions after having a MRI exam and can go about your normal activities. To help eliminate the contrast medium from your body, remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Exam results: All MRI exams are read by a radiologist specialty trained in MR imaging and dedicated to the specific area of interest for your study.Quick results are essential not only for your peace of mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately, if necessary. After the scan has been read, the results are sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you.