Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Advanced MRI at Brooks

Brooks Memorial Hospital now offers state-of-the-art MRI, unparalleled by any facility in Chautauqua County, with patient appointments typically available within 24-48 hours. The Brooks MRI facility features a Philips Inter 1.5 T MRI Unit which is far superior to mobile units normally used in smaller hospitals and in private venues. The unit produces a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla, and produces superb orthopedic and neurological images.

The Intera MRI unit features a short and spacious patient opening, creating a friendly, open environment. The testing environment is also much quieter because of the Interas SofTone technology which reduces acoustic noise by over 85%. When patients enter the magnet, they enter a Patient Comfort Zone, which includes mirrors so they can always see outside the magnet, a headset to listen to their favorite music, and camera and microphone to allow constant contact between the system operator and the patient. Innovative technology built into the Intera also results in significantly reduced total examination times.

Diagnostic imaging is an important tool used by physicians to help properly diagnose disorders within the human body. X-Rays, Ultrasounds, CT Scans and Nuclear Imaging are all types of diagnostic imaging. Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of diagnostic imaging which uses a magnetic field to generate images and  provides an unparalleled view inside the human body.

For more information about Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Brooks Memorial Hospital, contact Brooks Memorial Hospital Director of Radiology, Sharon Muntz at (716) 363-3936. To schedule your MRI at Brooks Memorial Hospital, call (716) 363-3933. Most insurances are accepted.

Brooks MRI Receives ACR Re-accreditation

Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk New York has been awarded a three-year term of re-accreditation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR, headquartered in Reston Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of the facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.

The MRI Facility at Brooks Memorial Hospital was opened in January 2004 and houses a Philips Intera 1.5 T MR system, Brooks Memorial Hospital offers MRI, unparalleled by any facility in Chautauqua County, with patient appointments typically available within 24-48 hours. Brooks Memorial Hospital MRI staff performed 1,675 MRI procedures in 2007.

For more information about Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Brooks Memorial Hospital, contact Brooks Memorial Hospital Director of Radiology, Sharon Muntz at (716) 363-3936. To schedule your MRI at Brooks Memorial Hospital, call (716) 363-3933. Most insurance is accepted.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a sophisticated way to look inside the body with a magnet instead of X-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radiowaves and a computer to see inside the body with such accuracy. It's as if you were looking directly at the tissue itself. Radiologists are able to study these precise images and work with your physician to diagnose a variety of health problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.

Procedure

The equipment may look intimidating, but there's no need to be frightened. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown, and the technologist will help you to lie down on the scanning table. You'll be positioned comfortably with your head on a rest, your arms at your sides. Then the table will move slowly into the large round magnet (like going into the hole of a donut). You will not feel anything, and you can talk to your technician at all times. You will hear humming and other machine noises, and a thump when radio waves are turned on and off. It will be important for you to lie still at this time, and if you think the machine noises might bother you, earplugs or headphones will be available to help block out the sound. You'll remain inside the magnet for about an hour to allow the computer to provide several different angles of your inner body. Depending on which area of your body is being examined, a contrast material may be needed to help provide better images. Need for this material is determined on an individual basis, and if required, it is injected into a vein by your MRI physician.

Preparation

Nothing special is required. You may eat anything you wish and/or take any medications prior to your exam. Because you will be inside a magnet, it is important to leave any metal or magnetic- sensitive materials such as watches, rings, jewelry and credit cards at home. (The magnet erases credit cards!) Women who think they may be pregnant should notify their physician and technologist prior to the exam. If you wear a sweatshirt and sweat pants, you won't have to change. The MRI staff will ask you some questions prior to your entering the scanner room, and no one with implanted metal objects (such as cardiac pacemakers or metal clips) will be permitted in the room.

Results

The remarkable pictures of your inner body will be reviewed by a radiologist who is a specialist in interpreting them. If more images are required, they will be taken right away. In most cases, you may go home. The radiologist shares these findings with your physician who will suggest treatment based on the diagnosis, your medical history and other test results.

Questions?

If you have any questions about MRI, feel free to ask your doctor or any member of the Brooks Memorial Radiology Staff. We're here to help you feel better, and we're looking towards a healthy future.