WHAT IS MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a diagnostic test that allows radiologists to see inside of the body, which may not be seen using x-rays. This imaging method produces a series of cross-sectional pictures using a very strong magnet. MRI technology has advanced so markedly over the past several years that it has greatly enhanced the patients’ experience. Physicians can detect many conditions in earlier stages, greatly optimizing patient outcomes.
Johns Hopkins uses state-of-the-art MRI scanners to take pictures with very high resolution of your body. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Before my MRI
Physicians order
Scheduling – Main Radiology Scheduling-410-955-4100 option #2
- Cardiac/Vascular Scheduling-410-502-2867
MRI locations
- JHOC-JHOC 3rd floor 601 Caroline St. Baltimore, Md.
- CVMR-Blalock 5th floor 600 N. Wolfe St. Baltimore, Md
- MRI building-Wolfe Street basement 600 N. Wolfe St.
MRI SAFETY
Explanation-MRI uses a very strong magnetic field that can be very hazardous to patients with certain metallic implants. To ensure your safety, we will need to ask some very specific questions to prevent any harm to you. You will find a screening form (Screening Form PDF), please print, complete and bring with you the day of your MRI appointment. If you have any specific questions please call 410-955-4317 between the hours of 6 AM- 10:30 PM Monday-Friday and 7 AM-8PM Saturday and Sunday.. If you have experienced anxiety in the past from being in close places, please contact your ordering Physician for any type of anti-anxiety medication that you may need prior to your MRI exam.
What to wear
For all MRI scans, you most likely will change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are private and there is a secure locker for your clothes. It is best, however, if you leave valuable items at home. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids that might interfere with the MRI scan, we will ask you to remove them. You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card. Patients who are having a brain / head scan should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.
During my MRI
You will first need to sign in at the registration desk.
The Technologist will introduce themselves and review any additional information that is needed.
You may be asked to sign a Consent form for any history of contrast allergy or pregnancy.
Some MRI exams require Intravenous contrast that will need an IV to be placed prior to your exam.
The Technologist will take you into the MRI room, lay you on a table and get you comfortable. We will give you hearing protection ( music can be provided at you request or feel free to bring your own CD to be played during your scan)and a communication device. You will then be moved into the MRI tube, which is open at both ends.
There will be various noises that you will hear throughout the exam. The noises can be loud at times as well as vibrate the table.
Most MRI exam will take about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what your physician has requested.
After my MRI
You may resume normal activity after you leave the MRI department. Your Physician will review your MRI and results with you.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS To schedule an MRI under anesthesia or conscious sedation, please call 410-955-4344 and choose option 1. If no one is available to assist you, please leave a message and your call will be returned. An order for MRI must be initiated from a physician's office. The same physician's office will inform you about your appointment. After the MRI is scheduled, you will receive a letter in the mail to confirm your appointment with detailed instructions at which point the nurse will call you about a week before your appointment to review the following: 1) Time and location of appointment
2) Feeding instructions
3) List of current medications.
The MRI will be performed in Room 180 of the hospital's Nelson Basement.
Visitor parking is available in the McElderry Garage on McElderry Street, off of N. Caroline Street. Valet parking service is available at: 1) Hospital's Main Entrance on Wolfe Street Circle 6 AM-9 PM
2) Outpatient Center via McElderry Street 8 AM-4:30 PM
3) Weinberg Building. 8 AM-4:30 PM We encourage you to bring and use strollers for young children because of the substantial walking distance between the garages and the Nelson Basement. Wheelchairs are available at the hospital's main entrance and at the Outpatient Center. Please arrive at the MRI office an hour before your appointment. This hour is needed for patient registration and assessment by the anesthesiology/nursing team. Remember to bring a list of the patient's current medications. The imaging time can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what the patient's physician has requested. Recovery from the anesthesia takes about an hour. Patients with complex medical histories may be observed over a longer period. For more information, please call 410-955-4344.
If you would like to know some general information about how anesthesia works please click here.
Adult General Anesthesia To schedule an MRI under anesthesia or conscious sedation, please call 410-955-4344 and choose option 1. If no one is available to assist you, please leave a message and your call will be returned. An order for MRI must be initiated from a physician's office. The same physician's office will inform you about your appointment. After the MRI is scheduled, you will receive a letter in the mail to confirm your appointment with detailed instructions at which point the nurse will call you about a week before your appointment to review the following: 1) Time and location of appointment
2) Instructions for Dietary restrictions
3) List of current medications.
The MRI will be performed in Room 180 of the Hospital's Nelson Basement.
Visitor parking is available in the McElderry Garage on McElderry Street, off of N. Caroline Street. Valet parking service is available at: 1) Hospital's Main Entrance on Wolfe Street Circle 6 AM-9 PM
2) Outpatient Center via McElderry Street 8 AM-4:30 PM
3) Weinberg Building. 8 AM-4:30 PM Wheelchairs are available at the hospital's main entrance and at the Outpatient Center. Please arrive at the MRI office an hour before your appointment. This hour is needed for patient registration and assessment by the anesthesiology/nursing team. Remember to bring a list of the patient's current medications. The imaging time can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what the patient's physician has requested. Recovery from the anesthesia takes about an hour. Patients with complex medical histories may be observed over a longer period. Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home. They must arrange for other people to take them home.
For more information, please call 410-955-4344. If you would like to know some general information about how anesthesia works please click here.
COMMON MRI EXAMS
If you would like additional information related to the type of MRI exam that you will receiving, please select the below related website.
(MRI) - Angiography
(MRI)-Breast Imaging /Breast Biopsy
(MRI) - Body
(MRI) - Cardiac (Heart)
(MRI) – Chest
(MRI) – Head
(MRI) - Musculoskeletal (MRI) – Prostate
(MRI) – Spine
Functional (fMRI) - Brain
Johns Hopkins Hospital Specialty MRI Scans
Pacemaker/ICD Patients
Patients that have Pacemakers or AICD/Pacemakers can now safely have various types of MRI exam performed at John Hopkins Hospital.
With have state of the art MRI scanners, Cardiology staff who are present and monitor throughout the exam with experienced MRI Technologist.
To schedule an appointment please call (410) 502-2867
Pediatric MRI Exams Fetal MRI Musculoskeletal (MSK) MRI Our special interests include sports-related injuries, joint and spine intervention for pain management, and tumors of the bones and muscles. State-of-the-art equipment includes MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), digital fluoroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET). We are recognized for being leading in the field of several diagnostic tests, such as MR Arthrography for the evaluation of painful shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. In patients with possible tumors, we perform needle biopsies of bone as well as soft tissues. We work closely with other specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists and oncologist, in order to provide a coordinated, multi disciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
Neuro MRI Exams Breast MRI including MRI guided Breast Biopsy Ferriscan Imaging Cardiac MRI scans
We perform various Cardiac MRI scans that include Cardiac Viability, Coronary Artery Imaging, Congenital Heart Imaging, Hemochromatosis ( iron analysis of the heart) and MRI Adenosine Cardiac Stress Testing.
To schedule an appointment please call (410) 502-2867
Siemens Magnetom 3T 70 cm Open Bore MRI scanner / Siemens Magnetom 1.5 T Avanto MRI Scanner
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