Frequently Asked Questions.

What is MRI ?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is technology which allows your doctor to have the clearest possible look at your internal anatomy. MRI does not use x-rays or radiation. MRI uses powerful magnetic field and radio waves to provide computerized images, which appear as “slices” of the anatomy so that the radiologist can help to make a diagnosis. MRI is a safe and painless way to look inside the body without surgery or radiation

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What can I expect during an MRI Exam ?

 A licensed technologist will explain the MRI procedure to you when you arrive. You will be asked to remove and store any objects containing metal. These include coins, jewelry, hair clips, keys, credit cards, and dentures. You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the body part being scanned. If your doctor has ordered your MRI to be done with “contrast”, a pharmaceutical agent called "Gadolinium" is administered. The Gadolinium contrast is used to “highlight” specific organs, blood vessels, o a small needle is inserted into the vein in the arm or hand, and removed immediately after the injection. As with any medication, there is a very slight chance of an allergic reaction. Side effects are very uncommon with Gadolinium. During the exam you may hear a tapping noise. This is normal and it may be loud enough to require ear plugs. You will also be able to listen to music through the headphones, and to communicate with the technologist at all times via intercom.  It is very important that you are completely still while the scan is occurring

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How much time will my MRI exam take ?

How Long Will My MRI Examination Take? At West Mifflin Imaging, we offer an array of examinations. Depending on the type of exam you receive, the length of the procedure will typically be between 20-40 minutes. The technologist will discuss the specifics of your exam, prior to your test.   Who Cannot Have an MRI? Almost everyone can have an MRI with complete safety. The technologist will ask certain questions about your medical history to ensure the safety of your exam. Patients with the following conditions are not candidates for MRI: Patients with cardiac pacemakers, neuro-stimulators or other electrical devices in their bodies. Metal fragments in one or both eyes. Tens unit. Patients with cerebral aneurysm clips are sometimes excluded. Please check with our staff if you have any questions. Pregnant women are generally not recommended for MRI scans. Be sure to inform your physician and our staff if you are pregnant.

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What should I do to prepare for an MRI Exam?

No special preparation is needed for the exam. Eat normally and take any medications that you usually take.

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What is CT?

CT means Computed Tomography. A CT scan uses x-ray and special equipment to produce 3-D cross sectional views of specific areas of your body, including organs.

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What can I expect during a CT scan?

A licensed technologist will help you on to a table and position you for your scan.  The technologist will help to make you as comfortable as possible as it is extremely important to hold very still for the exam. Depending on the type of exam your physician has ordered for you, contrast material may be administered through and IV or swallowed to “highlight”  the visibility of tissues and blood vessels means Computed Tomography.A CT scan uses x-ray and special equipment to produce 3-D cross sectional views of specific areas of your body, including organs.

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How long will a CT Scan take?

At West Mifflin Imaging, we offer an array of examinations. Depending on the type of exam you receive, the length of the procedure will typically be between 10-40 minutes. The technologist will discuss the specifics of your exam, prior to your test.

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Who cannot have a CT Scan ?

Please let the technologist know if you are pregnant.

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What is an X-ray?

An x-ray is fast, easy and painless way for physician to view different areas of the body.  It uses a controlled beam of energy/radiation to produce images of the body. 

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What can I expect during my x-ray?

A licensed technologist will perform your exam.  He/she may ask you to remove jewelry or change into a gown.

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How long will the x-ray take?

An x-ray exam usually takes 5-30 minutes depending on the type of exam(s) your doctor has ordered.

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Who cannot have an x-ray?

An x-ray exam usually takes 5-30 minutes depending on the type of exam(s) your doctor has ordered.

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