GE 1.5 Tesla MRI

MRI
What is magnetic resonance imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging is the full name for an MRI. An MRI is based on a strong magnetic field that utilizes the magnet to stimulate the nerve cells in the body to create an image. MRI is a diagnostic study that produces images without the need for radiation. An MRI gives important information that can be used to aid in the diagnosis of a patient for a quick recovery.

Why should I have an MRI?
An MRI gives detailed information on soft tissue structures around the bones. An MRI provides the physician with detailed information on any swelling around joints and can detect even the slightest of tears or injuries to the tendons. This makes it a key component in diagnosing injuries to the patients.

What should I expect?
Most MRI’s take between 30-60 minutes but the patient will be informed on the length of their particular MRI. Our trained technologists will be there to answer any questions you might have. Sometimes the technologist will need to inject contrast to better enhance the images. A pre-contrast questionnaire will be filled out by the patient at the time of scheduling the appointment with our checkout specialists.

What should I wear for my MRI?
- You should wear comfortable or loose fitting clothing.
- You should avoid clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or other metallic ornaments.
- You should wear little or no makeup.
- You should leave jewelry including your watch at home.
- You should leave personal items such as wallet or purse in car locked up

How should I prepare for an MRI?
There are usually no food or drink restrictions before this procedure. You will be asked to remove any metallic items such as glasses, jewelry or any clothes with zippers or snaps. Patients with implants, pacemakers, implanted devices or aneurysm clips cannot have an MRI. In addition to this, MRI is usually avoided on any individual who is pregnant, especially in the first trimester. All patients who are not good candidates for an MRI will be revealed during a pre-MRI questionnaire done at scheduling and reviewed again at the time of the MRI exam by the MRI technologist.

Why should I have my MRI at Coordinated Health?
- Caring and dedicated staff
- Ease and availability of scheduling
- State of the art equipment
- Four convenient locations
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Most insurance plans are accepted.
- Physicians skilled at interpreting MRI’s
- On staff radiologist.


Dr. Mandelker is Coordinated Health’s on staff radiologist

When will my physician have the results?
Our MRI certified radiologists will read the scan promptly and relay the results to your physician within 24 hours.

What is CT?
Computerized Axial Tomography, also known as CAT or CT, scans images of your body in slices showing the structures in that area. A computer is used to provide clear, sharp images. CT is used to detect and define the characterization of various disease processes in the body.

How does CT work?
As CT x-rays pass through the designated area of your body from different directions, they are measured by special detectors that convert them into electrical signals. A computer converts the signals into images through a mathematical procedure called “image reconstruction” and the images are rebuilt. These images are viewed on monitors or printed on a sheet of film.

What is Dexa?
Dual energy x-ray absortiometry, or Dexa scanning, is currently the most widely used method to measure bone mineral density. Dexa scanning more precisely documents small changes in bone mass. Dexa scanning is less expensive, exposes the patient to less radiation and is more sensitive and accurate at measuring subtle changes in bone density over time.

How does Dexa work?
For the test, a patient lies down on an examining table, and the scanner rapidly directs x-ray energy from two different sources towards the bone being examined in an alternating fashion at a set frequency.

What is ultrasound?
Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help the physician to see and evaluate: blockages to blood flow (such as clots), narrowing of vessels, tumors, and congenital malformation.

How does ultrasound work?
The patient is usually positioned on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the patient’s body in the area to be examined to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The technologist presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest.

Locations

Highland Imaging Center
- Diagnostic x-ray room- GE Proteus, CR Konica unit, Codonics mini printer
- MRI- GE 1.5 Tesla, short bore closed magnet
- CT- GE 8 slice lightspeed
- C-arm- GE 9600 OEC with printer and monitor
- DEXA- Hologic – with windows base software
- Vascular Ultrasound- GE Logiq book portable
- With the use of the C-arm, Highland is the only office to perform arthrograms

  

C-arm GE 9600 OEC with printer and monitor GE 1.5 Tesla MRI

With the use of the C-arm (shown above) the Highland office performs MR Arthrograms. This is a two step procedure, under x-ray control; the radiologist will inject a small amount of contrast directly in the joint to be scanned. Typically arthrograms are done on shoulder and hip joints, however, they can also be performed on wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle. The patient will be asked to not eat/drink anything 3 hours prior to the study.

Some patients may need to stop taking any blood thinning medications days prior to the exam. To help with comfort, the radiologist will numb the area before he injects the contrast. This procedure will take approximately an hour and a half.

Easton
- Diagnostic x-ray room- GE Proteus (new 2005), Kodak processor

 

Pocono- East Stroudsburg
- Diagnostic x-ray room- Picker with Kodak Processor
- MRI- GE Profile- .2 open magnet

Allentown
- Diagnostic x-ray room- Picker, Kodak processor
- Gednex x-ray, Bennett x-ray, Kodak processor
- MRI extremity lunar by GE



Bethlehem
- Diagnostic x-ray room- Picker, Kodak processor
- Diagnostic x-ray room- GE Proteus (new 2004)
- MRI- extremity Lunar E-scan GE