MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

American Open MRI utilizes GE’s Signa Profile/i Open MRI in a relaxed non claustrophobic atmosphere. The MRI is a non-invasive procedure (No Pain) that uses powerful magnets and radio waves that are not felt to construct pictures of the body.

Unlike conventional radiography and Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging, which make use of potentially harmful radiation (X-rays), MRI imaging is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the natural background magnetism from the earth. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within a human body will align with this field.

When focused radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, they will return a signal. The subtle differences in that signal from various body tissues enables MRI to differentiate organs, and potentially contrast benign and malignant tissue.

Any imaging plane (or "slice") can be projected, stored in a computer, or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images.

Since MRI makes use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations, the scanner must be located within a specially shielded room to avoid outside interference. The patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table which slides into a large tunnel-like tube within the scanner.

In addition, small devices may be placed around the head, arm, or leg, or adjacent to other areas to be studied. These are special body coils which send and receive the radio wave pulses, and are designed to improve the quality of the images. If contrast is to be administered, an IV will be placed, usually in a small vein of the hand or forearm. A technologist will operate the machine and observe you during the entire study from an adjacent room.

How the Test is Performed

Since MRI makes use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations, the scanner must be located within a specially shielded room to avoid outside interference. The patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table which slides into a large tunnel-like tube within the scanner.

In addition, small devices may be placed around the head, arm, or leg, or adjacent to other areas to be studied. These are special body coils which send and receive the radio wave pulses, and are designed to improve the quality of the images. If contrast is to be administered, an IV will be placed, usually in a small vein of the hand or forearm. A technologist will operate the machine and observe you during the entire study from an adjacent room.

No preparatory tests, diets, or medications are usually needed. An MRI can be performed immediately after other imaging studies. Depending on the area of interest, the patient may be asked to fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan.

How to Prepare for the Test

• Because of the strong magnets, certain metallic objects are not allowed into the room.
  
  
• Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged.
  
  
• Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images.
  
  
• Removable dental work should be taken out just prior to the scan.
  
  
• Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses can become dangerous projectiles when the magnet is activated and should not accompany the patient into the scanner area.
  
  
• Because the strong magnetic fields can displace or disrupt the action of implanted metallic objects, people with cardiac pacemakers cannot be scanned and should not enter the MRI area.

MRI also should not be used for people with metallic objects in their bodies, such as:

• Inner ear (cochlear) implants
  
  
• Brain aneurysm clips
  
  
• Some artificial heart valves
  
  
• Older vascular stents
  
  
• Recently placed artificial joints
  
  
• Sheet metal workers, or persons with similar potential exposure to small metal fragments, will first be screened for metal shards within the eyes with X-rays of the skull.
  
  
• The patient will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that none of the above issues apply before the study will be performed.
  
  

CT Scan  |  Top

Utilizing GE’s HiSpeed CT/i, Computed Tomography System, American Open & CT Center’s CAT Scans, provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional imaging of the patient which can then be reconstructed into three-dimensional models, as needed . The x-rays are painless. The primary discomfort may be from the need to lie still on the table.

Computed tomography (CT) a method of body imaging in which a thin x-ray beam rotates around the patient. Small detectors measure the amount of x-rays that make it through the patient or particular area of interest.

A computer analyzes the data to construct a cross-sectional image. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. In addition, three-dimensional models of organs can be created by stacking the individual images, or "slices."

How the Test is Performed

The patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table (gantry) that slides into the center of the scanner. Depending on the study being performed, the patient may need to lie on his/her stomach, back, or side. If contrast media (dye) is to be administered, an IV will be placed in a small vein of a hand or arm.

Much like standard photographic cameras, subject motion causes blurred images in CT. Therefore, the technologist operating the scanner and supervising the patient will give instructions through an intercom when to hold one's breath and not move.

As the exam takes place, the gantry will advance small intervals through the scanner. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the examination in one continuous motion of the gantry. Generally, complete scans will only take a few minutes, however, additional contrast-enhanced or higher-resolution scans will add to the scan time.

How to Prepare for the Test

The patient may be asked to drink oral contrast either immediately prior to, or 4 to 6 hours before, the CT scan. The contrast may be composed of non-reactive (inert) chalky-tasting barium sulfate, which will eventually pass in the stools, or absorbable clear Gastrografin solution. The health care provider may also advise fasting (no solids or liquids) for 4 to 6 hours if contrast dye is to be used.
The CT scanner has a weight limit to prevent damage to the mechanized gantry. Have the health care provider contact the scanner operator if you weigh more than 300 pounds.
Since metal is very, very dense, the x-ray beam has difficulty passing through it and results in errors in the involved constructed slices (artifact). Therefore, the patient will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.

X-Rays  |  Top

American Open MRI & CT Center offers the latest in X-ray technology. GE’s Proteus XR/a, General Purpose Radiographic System, is engineered for high-quality, low-dose imaging study after study. In conjunction with the PathSpeed CR, Computed Radiographic System, the two systems bring conventional X-ray equipment into the digital world, providing physicians with rapid access to complete diagnostic information.

There is no discomfort from X-ray exposure.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, X-rays are emitted by a machine as individual "particles" (photons) that pass through the body and then get detected by a sensitive film.

Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the photons, and will appear white on developed film. Structures containing air will be black on film, and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray. Metal and contrast media (intravenous or oral contrast) blocks almost all the photons and will appear bright white.

The basic science of X-ray generation and detection is the key behind general radiographs of the body, mammography, fluoroscopy (real-time imaging on video screens), and computed tomography (CT).

How the Test is Performed

The test is performed by an X-ray technologist. The positioning of the patient, X-ray machine, and film depends on the type of study and area of interest. Multiple individual views may be requested.
Much like conventional photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, patients may be asked to hold their breath and/or not move during the brief (approximately one second) exposure.

How to Prepare for the Test
You should remove all jewelry during the X-ray examination since metal and certain clothing can obscure the images and require repeat studies.

Transportation  |  Top

Van service is currently available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When scheduling an appointment notify the scheduler at American Open MRI that the patient will need van service. We then will call the van service with the name, address, zip code, telephone number, and date and time of the appointment. The van service will then call the patient with the time for pick up at their house. If the patient is scheduled for pick up for the van service and the patient does not call the van service to cancel the patient may be subject to a fee.