"How long will I be in the tube?"
It depends on the type of scan you are having, and how many body areas are being scanned. An MRI can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, but usually averages about 45 minutes.

"What if I'm claustrophobic?"
It's very important that you tell your physician before the exam, so he or she can prescribe medication that will calm you. If you become so uncomfortable during the exam that movement is a problem, the quality of the results will be severely compromised.

If you are given medication to take prior to the MRI, be sure you have a family member drive you home, since you will be very drowsy.

"How long will it take the results to come back?"
AMI typically sends the results to your physician in 3-5 working days. Contact your physician's office to get the results.

"If I have to have a contrast injected, does it contain iodine?"
No. The contrast we use is a water-based contrast designed specifically for MRI studies. It typically flushes out of your body in about 2 hours.

"Will the MRI give me a dose of radiation?"
No. An MRI does not use radiation at all.

"What's an 'open' MRI?"
An open MRI is used for people who have great difficulty lying inside of the traditional, tube-like machine. You are scanned under a round magnet, and the machine is open on all four sides.

Although the open MRI may seem like a more appealing option, the pictures it takes may not be as clear as those of the traditional magnet. Your physician will tell you whether or not you are a candidate for an open MRI.