WHAT IS AN MRI?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a sophisticated way of looking inside the body to diagnose physical conditions. MRI uses magnets and radio frequency waves to create images of shallow cross-sections of your body.

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What is different about an Open MRI?

An Open MRI is a type of MRI machine that allows the exam to be done without the patient being fully enclosed in the machine. The state-of-the-art equipment at NEW VISTA DIAGNOSTIC allows us to offer patients a relaxed and comfortable experience, while providing doctors the highest quality of medical images. We are proud to offer the only TRUE Open MRI in Tampa.

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Are there any risks?

MRI has been used extensively over the past 30 years, and has been shown to be the most effective, safe, and painless means of examining the body’s interior. The patient is not exposed to harmful radiation during an MRI exam.

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How do I prepare for my MRI?

Please wear comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing jewelry, watches, underwire bras, and any clothing with snaps or zippers near the area that will be scanned. If you have any metal in your clothing, you will be asked to change into a gown. Metals can also be found in deodorant, make-up, hairspray, and mascara, so please refrain from wearing these items.

It is very important that you tell us if you have any kind of metal in your body, including pacemakers, cochlear implants, prosthetics, and aneurysm clips. Also inform us if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy.

Unless you have taken a sedative or other medication, you shouldn’t need to be accompanied. If you do have guests, they are welcome to stay in our comfortable waiting area.

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What happens during the exam?

Plan to spend up to an hour at your appointment. You will be shown into a specially shielded room and asked to lie on the deck of the MRI machine. The room is shielded to prevent the powerful magnet from disturbing outside machinery and metal. Pillows and blankets are available to make you comfortable. The machine makes a soft thumping sound during the test. The technician, who will be seated at a work station looking into the MRI room, will let you know what to do and how the exam is progressing. You can also talk to the technician at any time.

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What happens after the exam?

The images are viewed and interpreted by our group of board-certified radiologists who have read thousands of MRI images. The radiologist will forward the results to your doctor within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

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Do I have to lie still the whole time?

Yes. It is important for the quality of the images that you lie as still as possible.

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Can I listen to music?

Yes. We have music that you can listen to with headphones while you are in the machine. 

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Can I have someone in the room with me?

Yes. You can have a friend or family member in the room with you to talk to you or hold your hand during the scan. Your friend or family member will have to be checked to make sure that they don’t have any metal in their clothing, anything metal in their pockets, or a metal prosthesis or pacemaker, as these could interfere with the scan.

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Will I be given medication?

No, we do not offer medication. But your doctor may prescribe a sedative for you if you are claustrophobic. If you do take a sedative, make sure you have someone drive you to and from our facility.