What to Expect During Your Open MRI Scan

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, we prioritize patient comfort and strive to deliver high-quality imaging services. Our open MRI technology is designed to provide a more pleasant scanning experience while maintaining exceptional diagnostic accuracy.

Open MRI systems are a patient-friendly advancement in medical imaging, especially for those who experience anxiety or claustrophobia in traditional closed MRI environments. Despite their open design, noise remains an inherent part of the process. Here’s how we address it:

Open vs. Closed MRI:

● Traditional Closed MRI: Patients often find themselves in an enclosed tunnel-like structure, where noise can be amplified, contributing to a less comfortable experience.
● Open MRI at Mosaic: Our open MRI machines feature a more spacious design, reducing feelings of confinement and slightly lessening noise levels compared to closed systems. However, the sounds generated by the machinery are still present.

MRI machines operate using powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of internal body structures. This technology creates sounds such as:

● Clicking or buzzing from the activation of magnets
● Loud humming or tapping from radiofrequency coils
● Beeping or chirping from the system’s operations

Our open MRI systems, while more accessible, may allow these sounds to be more perceptible due to their design.

We implement several strategies to ensure patient comfort:

● Ear Protection: We provide earplugs or headphones to help reduce the impact of noise during the scan.
● Personalized Experience: Patients can enjoy music, either from our selection or their playlists, to create a more soothing environment.
● Advanced Noise-Canceling Technology: Some of our open MRI systems are equipped with built-in noise-cancelling features to further minimize auditory discomfort.

It’s important to note that while noise can affect patient comfort, it does not compromise the quality of the images we produce. Our open MRI technology ensures that diagnostic precision is upheld, delivering reliable results for accurate medical assessments.

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, we prioritize your comfort and safety during your open MRI scan. Our state-of-the-art open MRI machine utilizes a wide-bore magnet, offering a more comfortable and less claustrophobic environment compared to traditional closed MRI scanners. To ensure a smooth and efficient procedure, please follow these detailed clothing and preparation guidelines:

General Clothing Guidelines:

● Wear Loose-Fitting Attire: Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made from non-metallic materials such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can interfere with the magnetic field.
● Avoid Metal in Clothing: Ensure your clothing is free of metal items, including zippers, buttons, or metallic threads, as these can disrupt the MRI machine’s magnetic field and compromise image quality.
● Leave Metal Accessories at Home: Jewelry, watches, and other metal accessories should be left at home, as they must be removed before the scan. Consider removing any body piercings to prevent complications.
● Provided Gowns Available: To eliminate concerns about metal in your clothing, you can wear a gown.

Specific Clothing Considerations:

● Pants: Choose loose-fitting pants with an elastic or drawstring waistband. Avoid jeans or trousers with metal rivets or zippers.
● Shirts: Opt for a comfortable shirt without metal buttons or closures. Cotton T-shirts or blouses are ideal.
● Underwear: Select underwear without metal components, such as underwire bras or metal clasps.
● Bras: Women should wear a non-wired bra or sports bra with minimal metal.
● Footwear: Remove shoes and socks, as they may contain metal parts.

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, we understand the importance of comfort and support during your medical procedures. When preparing for an open MRI scan, you might consider having someone accompany you for reassurance. Our open MRI machines are designed to be less confining than traditional ones, making them an ideal choice for those with claustrophobia. Having a companion can further alleviate anxiety, providing emotional support during the procedure.

We strive to balance safety with patient comfort. Here are some important considerations for bringing a companion into the MRI suite:

● Safety First: Our MRI machines use powerful magnets, so it’s crucial that anyone entering the room is free of metal objects or implants that could interfere with the scanner. Companions will undergo a thorough screening process similar to that of our patients.
● Ear Protection: We require both patients and companions to wear earplugs or headphones to protect against the scanner’s noise, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
● Conduct During Scan: To maintain the accuracy and quality of the scan, companions must remain still and follow the MRI technician’s instructions.

Benefits of Bringing a Companion:

● Emotional Reassurance: Having a familiar face nearby can provide reassurance, helping to reduce stress and anxiety during the scan.
● Enhanced Communication: A companion can assist with any communication needs between the patient and our MRI technicians, ensuring a smooth process.
● Additional Monitoring: Companions can observe the procedure and report any concerns to our medical staff, enhancing overall patient care.

Our facility is equipped with advanced open MRI machines, designed to enhance patient comfort by offering more space and alleviating feelings of claustrophobia that can occur with traditional, enclosed MRI machines. This innovation does not compromise the quality of the images produced; open MRIs at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging operate using the same powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves as standard MRIs, ensuring precise and reliable results without any exposure to ionizing radiation.

At Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging, patient safety is our top priority. The absence of radiation in both traditional and open MRIs makes them an ideal choice for patients requiring repeated imaging, as there is no risk of cumulative radiation exposure. This feature is particularly beneficial for children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions who need frequent monitoring.

By choosing us for your imaging needs, you can have peace of mind knowing that our open MRI services offer a safe, non-invasive, and patient-friendly option for diagnostic imaging. For more information, contact our team of professionals at Mosaic Diagnostic Imaging or book an appointment. We serve patients from Rockville Centre, NY Lakeview NY, Baldwin NY, Malverne NY, Lynbrook NY, Hempstead NY, West Hempstead NY, South Hempstead NY, North Lynbrook NY, East Meadow NY, Oceanside NY and surrounding areas.