Magnetic Resonance Imaging

South Coast Medical Center offers the finest state-of-the-art MRI technology, and can provide your physician with accurate, timely diagnostic reports.

What is MRI?

MRI is a painless and accurate radiation-free technology that provides the radiologist and your physician with images of the internal structures of your body, without the use of X-rays.

MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves which are transmitted to a computer, obtaining very detailed images. these images can also reveal subtle differences between normal and abnormal tissue, and therefore can often replace the need for more invasive tests or surgery.

How to Prepare for a MRI Exam

For a MRI study, there is no special eating or drinking restriction. You may follow your usual routine with regard to medications, and you may drive yourself to and from the Center, unless your physician has instructed you otherwise.

You may wear your own casual, loose clothing, for example a sweat suit, provided it has no metal zippers or buttons. If necessary, a hospital gown will be supplied. Because the MRI is like a large magnet, you should remove any keys, watches or even credit cards (the electronic strip will be erased) before you enter the MRI room. You will be asked to remove all jewelry or clothing containing any metal parts. A locker is provided for your valuables. Even eye makeup and hair spray should not be used that day (since some have metallic particles that could distort the results of the exam).

The exam procedure will be thoroughly explained to you by the MRI Technologist. A video is also available, to provide further explanation.

The Day of Your Appointment

Upon your arrival, check in first at the reception desk just inside the front lobby of South Coast Medical Center. The volunteer at the reception desk will direct you to the Outpatient Registration Department, also in the lobby area. Be sure to bring your health plan information and your MRI request form from your doctor (it contains a map and directions).

After you have registered, you will be directed to the Radiology reception area, where you will check in for your exam.

About the Exam

The exam itself is painless, usually taking from 30 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to lie quietly on your back or stomach on the scanner table. During the exam, the table slides into the appropriate position within the chamber of the MRI.

During the test, you will hear "knocking" sounds which are simply the operation of the magnet obtaining the images which are transmitted to the computer. We have ear plugs available to dim these sounds, or stereo earphones so your can listen to your favorite music. We even have an easy chair in the MRI room, where a relative or friend can sit next to you during the examination.

The MRI Technologist, located in the computer room next to you, will observe you through a large window, and will be in constant communication with you through the intercom system.

While many people become very relaxed during an examination, a small percentage may feel confined and require a mild sedative which their doctor will prescribe.

In this case, you will need someone to drive you home. South Coast Medical Center offers transportation. Advance reservations are required. Call 499-7182 for further information.

We Need To Know

Since the magnetic field of the MRI can also affect any metal inside your body, we need to know if you have any metal object, no matter how small, inside your body, such as:

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Surgical clips, aneurysm clips
• Metal plates
• Cardiac valve, bone or joint replacements
• Cochlear implants or hearing aid
• Shrapnel, or other foreign metal debris

Note: These same restrictions apply to any guest you wish to have in the MRI room with you. You should also tell your physician and MRI Technologist if you are currently pregnant, and if you have had any surgeries.

You will sign a consent form verifying you do not have aneurysm clips, a pacemaker, or other metal or electronic implant devices in your body. A radiologist is available, should you have any further medical questions.

Getting Your Exam Results

One of South Coast's Radiologists will review and interpret your scan, and will report the results to your physician within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will inform you of your results.

Again, we are here to serve you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. South Coast Medical Center takes pride in offering the best of medical services.

Please bring:

• Health plan forms and/or card
• Any previous x-ray films regarding this exam

Note: For more details and directions, please review, and bring with you, the MRI order form from your doctor.

For more information on MRI Services, call the Diagnostic Imaging Department at (949) 499-7195.