Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assists physicians in detecting and defining the differences between healthy, diseased or injured tissue. This technology uses magnetic fields, radio waves and complex computer processing to produce exceptionally clear images of the body with no exposure to radiation.

• MRI Exams at TRA

  For your convenience, TRA offers MRI at all five of our outpatient locations. Our MRI scanners are shorter and wider than older, traditional scanners, and most people find them to be very comfortable. Your comfort during the MRI is our top priority, so a technologist will be available to you throughout your exam.

  

  You will be asked to lie still on a comfortable scanning bed for up to 45 minutes. It is normal to hear humming or thumping sounds during your exam.

  Depending upon your age and health history, you may be asked to have your BUN and creatinine levels checked at your physician’s office, a lab, or at TRA before an MRI exam using intravenous (IV) contrast.

  

• Find TRA locations for MRI

  Search TRA Locations TRA-on Cedar (Tacoma) TRA-on Lilly (Olympia) TRA-on Union (Tacoma) TRA-Lakewood TRA-Gig Harbor

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• What is MRI and How Does It Work?

• MRI is a noninvasive medical examination that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and computer processing to produce detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures for diagnostic purposes.

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• What to Expect During an MRI Exam

• MRI exams are painless and do not expose patients to radiation. They involve strong magnetic fields and for your safety you will be thoroughly screened at the beginning of your MRI appointment to make sure you are a good candidate for MRI.

  

  Please be sure to tell our scheduling department prior to the day of your appointment if you may be pregnant, if you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clips, stents, inner ear implants, bone or neuro stimulators, piercings, metal shavings around your eyes, or permanent eyeliner. You should also inform us if you have had a recent surgery.

  Before your scan, an MRI technologist will review your medical and allergy history and answer any questions you have. He or she will keep you informed and support you throughout your exam. MRI scans are usually no more than 45 minutes in length, but please allow 1-1/2 hours to complete the entire exam process.

  Some MRI examinations require an intravenous (IV) contrast injection during the exam to enhance the results of your study. This injection is placed in a vein in your hand or arm.

  

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• How to Prepare for an MRI Exam

• Check in 15-30 minutes before your MRI appointment to register and complete screening forms. Please bring your health insurance information, physician referral and any requested forms, and if asked to do so, your most recent x-ray, CT or MRI scans.

  Plan for at least 45 minutes to complete the exam.

  

  You will be asked to remove jewelry (gold rings may be worn), watches, dentures, keys and any other metal objects, and place purses and wallets in the secure locker that will be provided. You may be asked to change into a gown so metal on your clothing does not interfere with the MRI. You will be shown to a private changing room if you are asked to change into a gown.        

  

Types of MRI Scans

Select Type MRI of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct (MRCP) MRI of the brain/IAC (internal auditory canals) MRI spectroscopy MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) MRI of the abdomen MRI of the pelvis MRI of the spine/bone marrow MRI of the joint/extremities MRI for TMJ

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• MRI of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct (MRCP)

• MRI of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct (MRCP) is used to evaluate the biliary tract, liver and pancreatic ducts.

  • Do not eat or drink after midnight and follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI of the brain/IAC (internal auditory canals)

• MRI of the brain is used to evaluate suspected tumors or lesions, signs of multiple sclerosis, aneurysms, vascular disease, inflammation from traumatic injury or congenital abnormalities. To enhance visualization of brain images, a coil (a brace-like device that sends and receives radio waves) may be placed around your head during the exam. An IV contrast agent may also be used to visually enhance the area being studied.

  

  IAC (internal auditory canal) MRI provides a closer look at the anatomy associated with hearing.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI spectroscopy

• Spectroscopy MRI is used to detect the chemistry of an area of the brain. This scan can further investigate an area of abnormality identified on a routine MRI scan. It can also be used to study the impact of radiation therapy on a tumor.

  

  No IV contrast agent (gadolinium) is injected in this exam. At this time, spectroscopy is only offered at TRA-on Union.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRA (magnetic resonance angiography)

• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides images of blood flow through the vessels. MRA is most frequently used to evaluate suspected narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid arteries in the neck or to locate suspected aneurysm in the brain.

  

  MRA is also used to detect renal artery stenosis, aortic aneurysms and other vascular disease. In some circumstances, MRA exams are an alternative to more invasive angiogram or arteriogram procedures. MRA may be performed with or without intravenous (IV) contrast material.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI of the abdomen

• Abdominal MRI is most frequently used to evaluate abnormalities of the gallbladder, common bile duct, liver and pancreatic ducts.

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI of the pelvis

• For men, MRI of the pelvic region examines the prostate, urethra and seminal vesicles and may be used for prostate cancer staging. For women, MRI of the pelvic region examines the uterus and ovaries and is useful in the evaluation of endometrial cancer.

  

  MRI of the pelvis may also be used to evaluate trauma and or abnormalities of bony structures, joint effusions (abnormal buildup of joint fluid) and metastatic disease.

  IV contrast agent (gadolinium) injections may be necessary to enhance visualization of pelvic images.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI of the spine/bone marrow

• MRI of the spine can help in the diagnosis of disc herniation, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), nerve root impingement, sciatica and post surgical scarring. MRI is also sensitive to bone marrow changes caused by trauma or metastatic disease.

  

  MRI of the bone marrow involves survey of the full spinal column and pelvic girdle. Bone marrow examinations usually require 90 minutes to complete.             

  For accurate visualization of the lumbar spine post surgery and for complete analysis of any spinal cord lesions, you will generally have IV contrast agent (gadolinium) injections and a spine coil (a brace-like device that sends and receives radio waves) placed around the area of the body being studied.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI of the joint/extremities

• MRI is the preferred exam for imaging joints and assessing injuries to areas such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, hands, wrists or ankles, MRI can also be used in this area of the body to follow arthritic processes.

  

  Re-injury of the rotator cuff or knee following previous surgical repair may be best evaluated with MR arthrography. This involves intraarticular gadolinium injection into the joint to better visualize the tendons and cartilage. These injections are administered by the radiologist using fluoroscopic x-ray as a visual guidance tool. MRI exam of the joint follows injection.

  

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.

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• MRI for TMJ

• MRI is the best way to diagnose and evaluate TMJ (temporomandibular jaw dysfunction) pain. because it is the only imaging modality that can visualize the position of the disc and its dynamic motion while the jaw is open and closed. At this time, this exam is only offered at TRA-on Union.

  • Follow instructions in How to Prepare for an MRI Exam.