MRI Specialists of the Carolinas

MRI Exam Preparation

Due to the strong magnet used in the MRI scanner, it is extremely important for the safety of the patient to obtain accurate information before performing the MRI exam. The system does not use ionizing radiation, simply radiofrequency waves and magnetic fields.

Here is a link with more specific MRI Safety information: (www.RadiologyInfo.org)

The actual exam time lasts on average 30 to 45 minutes. The complete length of stay from arrival to departure is about one hour. Registration is completed just prior to the start of the MRI exam. The MRI scan table has a weight limit of 550 pounds. Please review the following information below.

Patient: Please bring a copy of your photo ID and insurance card(s).

Please inform us of any types of surgery and/or any known metal or implant inside the body.
Please leave personal belongings at home.
Please limit makeup and jewelry, and please no makeup for Head and Neck exams.
Please try to wear clothes without zippers and metallic embroidery if possible.
Please let us know if you have any special needs while under our care.
Please let us know if you could possibly be pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.
Please do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to your exam time for abdomen and/or pelvis related studies only. All other exams do not require fasting.
If you feel you are claustrophobic, please discuss with your physician the option of receiving an oral medication to take just prior to your arrival and have a driver bring you to and from your MRI appointment.
The scanner is quite spacious, with a 70 centimeter opening and much shorter overall length, which greatly reduces the claustrophobia effect.
Most exams from the waist down can be done feet first. Head and neck to mid chest usually require to be done head first.

Provider:

Please provide the following patient information when scheduling (please refer to the online order form):

MRI is body part specific. Please list the exact area to be scanned on your order.
Date of birth; social security number; phone number.
Patient height, weight.
Any chance of pregnancy.
Previous surgeries, especially to area of interest.
History of cancer
History of metal or foreign implants within the body from any surgeries or accidents.
If the patient has worked around metal (welder, machine shop), he/she must arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment for x-ray clearance (at no charge).
Patients with pacemakers, certain types of bio-stimulators, drug infusion devices, or ferrous (magnetic) aneurysm clips cannot have an MRI exam.
If patient is claustrophobic please discuss the options of an oral sedative to take prior to the exam time.
If patient requires a sedative, referring physician should order prescription (PO meds).
Please bring any relevant films and/or reports from non CaroMont facilities if possible.

Exam Ordering

The table weight limit is 550 pounds.
Please refer to the Online Order form for an exam list. There are blank tabs where specific exam requests can be typed in.
You can also download an Order form (link), and fax it to us at 704 671.7755.
It is most common to order exams as either without (w/o) (no contrast) or without & with contrast, when contrast is requested.
Normally the only exams ordered as with contrast would be MRA (MR Angiography) of the neck or abdomen or pelvis. MRA of the Head does not require contrast.
Arthrograms of the hip or shoulder or of a joint are ordered as with contrast.
Currently some newer technology should be available soon which will further improve vessel visualization without the use of contrast materials, which may be beneficial for some patients.
Contrast Injection
Some exams require the injection of a contrast material to help improve visualization of the brain, spine, and vascular system to name a few. The medication is FDA approved and is considered quite safe. It is administered intravenously usually halfway through the exam. Please be well hydrated on the day of your exam unless we request otherwise.
Patients with known diabetes, kidney dysfunction, cancer or anyone over the age of 60 may require us to obtain a simple blood test upon arrival to check the creatinine level as an extra precaution to assure proper usage of the contrast media. We can accept a creatinine level done at another medical office if it has been completed in the past 10 days.
Please let us know if you are currently breastfeeding. It is recommended to discontinue this up to 72 hours after contrast injection.

Please inform us of any types of surgery and/or any known metal or implant inside the body.

Please leave personal belongings at home.

Please limit makeup and jewelry, and please no makeup for Head and Neck exams.

Please try to wear clothes without zippers and metallic embroidery if possible.

Please let us know if you have any special needs while under our care.

Please let us know if you could possibly be pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.

Please do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to your exam time for abdomen and/or pelvis related studies only. All other exams do not require fasting.

If you feel you are claustrophobic, please discuss with your physician the option of receiving an oral medication to take just prior to your arrival and have a driver bring you to and from your MRI appointment.

The scanner is quite spacious, with a 70 centimeter opening and much shorter overall length, which greatly reduces the claustrophobia effect.

Most exams from the waist down can be done feet first. Head and neck to mid chest usually require to be done head first.

MRI is body part specific. Please list the exact area to be scanned on your order.

Date of birth; social security number; phone number.

Patient height, weight.

Any chance of pregnancy.

Previous surgeries, especially to area of interest.

History of cancer

History of metal or foreign implants within the body from any surgeries or accidents.

If the patient has worked around metal (welder, machine shop), he/she must arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment for x-ray clearance (at no charge).

Patients with pacemakers, certain types of bio-stimulators, drug infusion devices, or ferrous (magnetic) aneurysm clips cannot have an MRI exam.

If patient is claustrophobic please discuss the options of an oral sedative to take prior to the exam time.

If patient requires a sedative, referring physician should order prescription (PO meds).

Please bring any relevant films and/or reports from non CaroMont facilities if possible.

The table weight limit is 550 pounds.

Please refer to the Online Order form for an exam list. There are blank tabs where specific exam requests can be typed in.

You can also download an Order form (link), and fax it to us at 704 671.7755.

It is most common to order exams as either without (w/o) (no contrast) or without & with contrast, when contrast is requested.

Normally the only exams ordered as with contrast would be MRA (MR Angiography) of the neck or abdomen or pelvis. MRA of the Head does not require contrast.

Arthrograms of the hip or shoulder or of a joint are ordered as with contrast.

Currently some newer technology should be available soon which will further improve vessel visualization without the use of contrast materials, which may be beneficial for some patients.

Contrast Injection

Please let us know if you are currently breastfeeding. It is recommended to discontinue this up to 72 hours after contrast injection.