MRI

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that produces detailed pictures of internal organs and structures in a patient’s body. The test uses a uses radio waves, a strong magnetic field, and a computer to create images in cross-section.

With incredible accuracy, a high-field MRI, like the ones offered at Hillsborough Radiology, can detect many abnormalities that CT scans and X-rays cannot, especially those involving soft tissue. In fact, MRI reduces the need for biopsies, exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, which carry associated risks. MRI is a totally painless procedure with no known side effects.

Types of MRIs

Because our patients come in different shapes and sizes, we offer short-bore and wide-bore 1.5T MRI and now a 3T depending on your doctors preference. This advanced MRI offers a more open, less-claustrophobic exam due to the wide- and short-bore design and quiet suite noise reduction technology.

The wide-bore provides for a more spacious exam experience while the short-bore design helps to reduce that “tunnel feeling.” With quiet suite technology, patients may experience up to 97% reduction in scanner noise for a less stressful exam without compromising image quality or scan time, with most patients experiencing at least a moderate noise reduction.

The MRI experience at Hillsborough Radiology takes place in a room with floor-to-ceiling privacy windows that lets in natural light.

Hillsborough Radiology is now offering Prostate MRIs.

What will the exam be like?

Patients will not feel anything unusual during the exam. They will, however, hear a repeated drum-like knocking sound as the scans are recorded.

Patients are given the option to listen to music during their scan for a more comfortable experience. Hearing protection will be provided to those patients who do not wish to listen to music.

To help produce high-quality images, patients will be asked to lie still during the examination while breathing normally. The average scan takes five to 15 minutes – the complete examination about 30 to 45 minutes.