Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Rely on Spectrum Health for friendly, expert staff and advanced technology. You know you’ll get safe, high-quality care because our facilities are accredited in MRI by the American College of Radiology.

At Spectrum Health, you and your care team have access to the most powerful, high-definition Spectrum Health has both 1.5T available. When your test is conducted using 3T MRI, you may benefit from faster tests and unprecedented clarity.

If you’re claustrophobic, need more space to feel comfortable or have limited mobility, ask about our large-bore MRI. Large-bore MRIs have a wider opening.

Your physician may ask you to get an MRI scan to help detect, diagnose, monitor or treat problems affecting your:

• Bones, muscles and joints
• Brain and spine
• Breasts
• Digestive system
• Lungs
• Heart and blood vessels
• Pelvis
• Pregnancy
• Prostate

Your care team will tell you what to expect and provide instructions for your specific test. Rely on us to help you feel comfortable and secure.

If you think you may have a hard time staying still during your exam, ask us about options for sedation—medicines that help you relax.

Before your MRI, you’ll change into a hospital gown or scrubs (a loose cotton V-neck shirt and drawstring pants) that we provide. You’ll need to remove all metal, including jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and body piercings. We’ll give you a locker to store your belongings, but please leave valuables at home. Tell us before your exam if you have any metal in your body, such as artificial joints or screws used in surgery.

During your MRI, you’ll lie on a flat bed. The bed moves into a large, tube-shaped machine. Depending on your type of test, you may move into the tube head-first or feet-first.

The test doesn’t hurt, but the machine does make loud noises. We’ll give you headphones to protect your ears. You’ll be able to communicate with your imaging technologist throughout the test.
You’ll need to lie very still. For some tests, we’ll ask you to hold your breath for several seconds at a time.

Your test results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. We’ll share your results with the doctor who ordered your test. Your doctor will explain the results and help you decide next steps.