Most Frequently Asked Questions
High Field MRI
Computed Tomography
Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
PET Imaging
Receptionist

High Field MRI

Will I receive any radiation during the exam?
No.  The MRI examination is performed with a very high-field magnet and radio waves.

What happens if I have a problem during the exam?
There is a two-way system in the room that allows you to alert the technologist if you are having a problem.

How far will my body go into the magnet?
This depends on what part of the body is being imaged.  The area being studied will need to be in the center of  the magnetic field.

What will I be required to wear for my MRI study?
Every patient will change into a cotton gown for his/her procedure.  This request is made  to ensure that no metal is introduced into the field of imaging.

Am I required to do any special preparation for the MRI study?
There is no special preparation.  Patients may be asked to fast for abdominal scans.  You may take medications as usually prescribed by your doctor.

Is the machine noisy and will I hear knocking?
Our equipment has Pianissimo technology that reduces scan noise by as much as 90% and our Avotec silent scan sound system provides additional noise cancellation.

What about any dental work?
For MRI examinations of the head and/or neck area, you will be asked to remove dentures.

Do I have to remove any jewelry?
Yes, as much as possible.  Gold is not a ferromagnetic metal and it may not be necessary to remove your gold wedding band if you cannot get it off easily.

How long will I be at the imaging center for an MRI study?
Patients are asked arrive 15 minutes before the scan time.  This allows the technologists the opportunity to perform a safety screening and to obtain a short medical history from you about your symptoms.

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Computed Tomography

If I take medication, may I take it before the exam?
Yes.  On the day of your exam, take your prescribed medications as usual.

Why am I only allowed clear liquids before my exam?
You could possibly have nausea during the IV contrast injection.  Food could also interfere with the exam interpretation.

What is the liquid that I have to drink before the exam?
A liquid oral contrast may be used to allow the radiologist to visualize your digestive tract.

Must I have an injection?
Based upon your clinical history, your physician or radiologist may request use of an IV contrast.  This contrast enhances the visualization of tumors, as well as, normal and abnormal blood flow in the area of the body that is being scanned.

How long will my exam take?
Studies vary depending on the part of the body being examined.  Normally the exam takes 10 to 30 minutes.

Will I have special instructions for Glucophage (Glucovance/Metformin)?
Glucophage (Metformin) may be taken the day of your exam.  It should not be taken for 48 hours following the exam.  Your blood should be drawn to check the function of your kidneys before resuming the medication.  If you start the Glucophage too soon, before the bloodwork and okay from your doctor, it may damage your kidneys.

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Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

Will I have pain during the exam?
No pain is associated with bone densitometry.

How safe is the exam?
You are exposed to an extremely small dose of radiation.  A typically spine scan deliveries less than one-tenth that of a chest x-ray.  If you are pregnant, please be sure to inform your physician.

Must I do any special preparation for this exam?
No special preparation is required.    You should not have had a barium study or CT contrast study within one week prior, or a nuclear medicine study within a day or two prior.  Avoid wearing clothing with snaps, zippers, or buttons.

Will I have to fast for this exam?
There is no special preparation necessary for this exam.

What will be expected of me during the examination?
Lie still, breathe normally, and rest comfortably.

How long may I expect the exam to take?
Your exam will take approximately 20 minutes.  The technologist will take your weight and height, and enter your information into the computer.  You will be place on the dexa table and aligned for your exam.

What will my exam show?
Your exam will show your bone status and fracture risk and compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex, and ethnic background.  This will assist your physician in his diagnosis. 

Will my insurance pay for the exam?
We ask that you check with your insurance carrier as to whether they cover this exam.  HMO members will need referral form.  A prescription from your physician stating the reason for the exam is required.

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PET Imaging

What is PET Imaging?
PET imaging is a diagnostic imaging tool that demonstrates biological functions of the body.  By utilizing a small amount of radioactivity attached to a biological marker, PET can assess normal and abnormal processes in the body.

Will I be exposed to radiation?
Yes, similar to CT and x-ray

What is FDG?
FDG is an acronym of flurodeoxyglucose.  It is a radiolabeled analog of glucose.  It is the most common tracer used to detect disease with PET imaging.

Will I have any side effects from the exam?
No.  There will be no side effects from the injection.

How does PET imaging compare with MRI, CT and x-ray imaging?
PET assesses functional abnormalities at the molecular level while MRI, CT and x-ray assess structural abnormalities.  PET is often able to measure abnormal changes before a physical change can be seen on MRI, CT or x-ray.

Will the PET scan be covered by my insurance?
Most PET scans for cancer evaluation will be covered.  Please be sure to check with your insurance provider prior to your exam to determine whether it is a covered service.

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Receptionist

Why do you need a copy of my driver’s license?
We request a copy of your driver’s license to protect your medical record. 

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