MRI

An MRI scanner creates 2D and 3D pictures of the inside of the body using a magnetic field and radio waves.

The noninvasive technique is very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, joint and other musculoskeletal disorders.

MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows your doctor to look inside the body without the use of x-rays. A Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a specialized MRI is used to create images of the blood vessels.

Although there is no radiation exposure please let your physician or technologist know if you are pregnant or think you might be.

Equipment and Procedures

Conemaugh East Hills • 1.5T GE Artist and 3T GE Architect scanners
Conemaugh Ebensburg • 1.5T Siemens ESPREE mobile scanner
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center • 1.5T Siemens AERA open design MRI scanner
Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center • 1.5T Siemens ESPREE mobile scanner
Conemaugh Miners Medical Center • 1.5T Siemens ESPREE mobile scanner
Conemaugh Nason Medical Center • 1.5T Siemens Symphony

Procedures

MRI / MRA exams
MR perfusion
Spectroscopy
Cardiac MRI
Susceptibility weighted imaging
Breast MR
MRI and pacemaker program for MRI exams on patients with pacemakers
Other specialty imaging

Preparation for Scan

Our physicians and technologists are dedicated to providing highly skilled and compassionate care for you and your family. We understand that you may be apprehensive about your procedure. We hope the following information will be helpful to you as you prepare.

No outpatient MRIs or MRAs are scheduled at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

We want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or concerns that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to call your physician or the location where your test will be done.

Before the Scan

You will be given specific instructions during scheduling about any special preparations you need and what time to arrive. You may need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your test.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage or pre-certification, call your insurance company. If you are not covered by insurance, please make arrangements for payment by calling the business office where you are having your scan done.

Generally no special preparation is required. You may eat and drink unless you are scheduled for an abdominal or pelvic scan. Then you must fast for 4. If you take medications, you may take your meds with a sip of water. Check with your physician about any diabetic medications you are on.

The magnetic fields used are extremely powerful. For your safety, you will be questioned about any possible metal in your body. If you do have metal in your body it may prevent you from having the MRI/MRA. You may need to have an x-ray of your eyes to make sure there is no longer any metal present. Do not assume that your physician’s office knows about any of the following items and will report it.

You must alert the MRI department or Central Scheduling.

History of surgery
History of working with metal
History of metal in your eye, even if it was removed
Have shrapnel, bullets or BB’s anywhere in your body
Have pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or cardioverter
Have aneurysm clips
Have embolization coil
Have heart valve replacement
Have cardiac stents
Have implants of any kind – dental, breast, penile, or ear
Have hearing devices of any kind

Some other questions asked may change the preparation involved with the MRI. You may need to take additional medication prior to the exam.

Any previous problems you have had with a MRI or MRA
If you are claustrophobic or have a fear of tight enclosed spaces
Height and weight

If you need to cancel for any reason please give at least 24 hours’ notice.

Day of the Scan

In order to provide a Safe experience, you will be asked to change into facility provided gowns and pants. This is for your safety as well as the safety of our staff.

Children under 18 years of age or incapacitated adults must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You may be accompanied by one adult family member or friend. Children should not accompany adults having any procedures. Due to liability concerns, our staff cannot watch children if parents/guardians are having an exam.

Please bring any order that your physician’s office provided for you. If you were not contacted by pre-certification please bring your identification and insurance cards.

Please bring a list of your medicines and allergies.

Because emergencies can cause delays, you may have to wait.

For your safety, it is very important to remove any metal objects, such as belt buckles, jewelry, hairpins, glasses, hearing aids and dentures. It is recommended that you do not wear makeup for any procedures involving your Head or Brain. There are lockers available for you belongings. However, we strongly recommend you leave valuables at home.

Healthcare professionals will be available in this area to make you comfortable and to answer your questions. Your safety is the number one priority.

The staff may ask you the same questions several times; they will ask your name, birth date, what procedure you are having done, your medications and your allergies. Repeating questions verifies and re-verifies very important information to ensure that your time during the procedure is as safe as possible.

During the Scan

You will be taken into the MRI Suite once you have been screened by the MRI Safety Trained Personnel.

You will meet the technologist when you are taken into the procedure room. They will explain everything that is happening. You will be helped you onto the table, positioned and given a “call bell”. If you need anything during the test, you will be instructed to squeeze the call bell. Earplugs or headphones and music are available. Although you won’t feel anything, you will hear knocking, thumping and other noises. Although there may be times when there is no noise, it is important to hold still and try to relax as the technologist may be setting up the next set of pictures. Even slight movement blurs the results.

The table you are on will move into the machine. The MRI unit looks like a tunnel with an opening on both ends to allow air and light inside. Your body may or may not be completely inside the machine.

The MRI tech controls the test in the console room where they can still see and hear you. There is an intercom that they will use to communicate with you during the test. If necessary, they can pull the table out of the scanner at any time.

If they need to change your position between series they will pull the table out of the machine and reposition you before sliding you back in on the table. Your time in the MRI scan will vary based on the examination(s) you are having done.

After the Scan

Once the technologist has all the images the physician requires, they will slide the table out of the machine and assist you off of the table. Your IV is removed if you had one. You can get dressed and leave immediately. If you had a change in diet before the scan, you may resume your normal diet.

The technologist cannot discuss results with you.

The MRI scan will be reviewed by a Radiologist and the results will be sent to the doctor who ordered your exam. Your images will be stored electronically. If your test was ordered STAT by your physician, the technician will alert the Radiologist and clerical staff to see that your doctor receives your results as soon as possible.

Conemaugh East Hills
1450 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 262-7290

Monday - Friday, 6 am - 11:30 pm

Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center
200 Hospital Drive
Meyersdale, PA
Phone: (814) 972-6970, call to schedule appointment

Tuesday, 7 am - 5 pm
Friday, 7 am - 11:30 am

Conemaugh Miners Medical Center
290 Haida Avenue
Hastings, PA
Phone: (814) 247-3300, call to schedule appointment

Monday, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Conemaugh Nason Medical Center
105 Nason Drive
Roaring Spring, PA
Phone: (814) 224-2141

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 am - 5 pm

Conemaugh Ebensburg
861 Hills Plaza Drive
Ebensburg, PA
Phone: (814) 472-4958

Thursday, 8 am - 4 pm