What should I expect during my MRI exam?
		You will be comfortably positioned on a special table which slides into the MRI system opening where the magnetic field is created. MRI sequences are performed. You may hear tapping noises during the exam. The tapping is created when magnetic field gradient coils are switched on and off to measure the MRI signal reflecting back out of your body. You will be able to communicate with the radiologist or technologist at any time using an intercom. Depending on how many images are needed, the exam will generally take from 15 to 45 minutes, although a very detailed study may take longer. You will be asked not to move during the actual imaging process, but between sequences some movement is allowed. Patients are generally required to remain still for only a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. Depending on the part of the body being examined, a contrast agent may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle connected to an intravenous line is placed in an arm or hand vein. The contrast agent is injected about two-thirds of the way through the exam. When the exam is over the patient is asked to wait until the images are examined to determine if more images are needed. For more information, please visit: http://www.radiologyinfo.org