St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is dedicated to providing its patients with advanced technology and quality readings by radiologists. The MRI department houses a 3 Tesla Interoperative MRI scanner, two 3 Tesla diagnostic scanners, four 1.5 Tesla diagnostic scanners and one 3 Tesla scanner dedicated to pulse sequence development and research.
St. Joseph's Radiology Department ensures safe environment for patients and employees while providing excellent patient care. Each patient's neesd are met with the use of new techniques for diagnosis and treatment, and new processes for improving patient care, while optimizing resources to support the community and hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an MRI?
A: MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a state-of-the-art technique that allows doctors to see inside the human body in remarkable detail without using x-rays. MRI images are produced with the use of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system. Most single exams take from 45-60 minutes, multiple exams ordered will take longer.
Q: Is an MRI safe?
A: The MRI exam is painless and generally safe. Patients will be asked to complete an MRI patient screening form to assure safety before entering the strong magnetic field. The form addresses implantable devices, patient condition, pain, claustrophobia and current medications. The MRI department also performs patient registration and pre-screening to avoid delays in patient care and to provide the best service possible. Nursing care is provided to both inpatients and outpatients to support patient care needs.
Q: What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
A: Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of most any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while the CT uses X-rays. MRI is superior when it comes to soft tissue contrast, and there are no known side effects. The ability to view pictures from multiple directions, high tissue contrast, and lack of x-rays make MRI a very powerful and increasingly popular imaging tool. Please note, MRI is very sensitive to motion during the acquisition of pictures and, in some instances, CT is preferable if the patient is unable to hold still.
Q: How do I prepare for my scan?
A: Preparation for your MRI is very simple. We ask that you follow directions from the nursing staff. In some circumstances you may be asked not to eat or drink for a time prior to the MRI. You will be asked to fill out a metal screening form and to remove any metallic objects such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, and possibly non-permanent dentures. Wallets, credit cards, and purses must also be left behind in a secure place (lockers are provided to secure items in the outpatient areas). Your nurse will conduct a brief interview with you regarding your medical and surgical history to include the possible presence of metallic objects in your body. It is very important that we know any metal in your body is safe to enter the magnetic field. You may be asked to provide specific documentation (wallet card) on any implanted devices so that we may ensure your safety while in the MRI scanner.
Q: What happens if I have concerns about being able to lay comfortably or remain still during the scan?
A: It is very important that you share this information with your attending nurse and/or ordering Physician prior to the scan. They in turn can then write the appropriate medication orders to ensure that you are properly cared for during your MRI exam.
Q: What happens after I get to MRI?
A: Upon arrival in the MRI department, you will be greeted by a technologist and/or a nurse. The technologist will explain the examination to you and also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the test. We want you to have a good experience in the MRI department and we want to provide the very best patient care possible. Please be sure to communicate any of your needs to your MRI Technologist and/or nurse so that we may ensure your comfort during your MRI exam. We want you to be very satisfied with our staff and the care we provide.
Q: What happens during the scan?
A: The technologist and/or the MRI nurse will help you onto a padded examination table where you will be comfortably situated. If your Physician has ordered medication to help you complete your MRI, then monitors ( blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, etc) may be placed on you so that our MRI nurse can better manage your care. While the machine is taking pictures, you will hear knocking noises made by the scanner which is normal and is no cause for alarm. We will provide you with earplugs to make you comfortable while the scan is making noise. The most important thing to remember is that you must remain very still during the study as motion causes the images to blur. Throughout the test, you will be able to speak to the technologist when the noise stops. Please communicate your needs, should you have any, to the Technologist at these times. Most single exams take from 45-60 minutes, however we will spend the time needed to obtain a diagnostic exam while keeping you comfortable.
Q: Will a contrast injection be part of my exam?
A: Based on the indication for your MRI exam, your ordering Physician will determine whether or not you will be receiving a contrast injection.
Q: What Contrast is used in MRI and how will it affect me?
A: The contrast agent used in MRI is called Gadolinium and it is an FDA approved contrast agent. Gadolinium helps the radiologist see vessels, infection and diseases. The FDA declared Gadolinium safe for use in MRI in 1988. A few side effects, such as mild headache, nausea and local burning can occur. Very rarely (less than one in a thousand), patients are allergic to Gadolinium. If you have kidney problems, it must be used with caution. If contrast is ordered you will also be asked to complete a contrast history information sheet so that we may ensure that it is safe for you to receive gadolinium, your safety is our utmost concern.
Q: When and from whom will I get my results?
A: Our Radiologist will interpret your scan, the results will be available after the Radiologist studies the images. The physician who ordered the MRI scan will then provide you with the information communicated to him/her from the Radiologist.
Location
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
350 W. Thomas Road
First Floor, Main Building
Phoenix, AZ 85013
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Contact Us
For more information or to make an appointment, please call 602-406-6700. Our fax number is 602-406-5188.
