MEDICAL Services
-Screening and Pre-registration
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
MRI
In May 2002 Elliot Hospital installed the first fixed MRI system in Manchester. The MRI department is located in Elliot Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Department on the first floor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that produces cross- sectional images of the body without the use of x-rays. The images are produced using a large magnet, radio frequency waves and a computer system.
Elliot Hospital has state of the art equipment that provides an excellent way to diagnose diseases, infections and inflammatory conditions of the spine, brain, blood vessels, chest, abdomen, pelvis and skeleton.
How does it work? The human body contains an abundant amount of water. The water molecules or hydrogen atoms act as tiny magnets. The MRI magnetic field aligns these tiny magnets. Once a radio wave frequency is applied, the hydrogen atoms release energy that transmits as signal. The MRI test is very noisy due to gradient pulses that determine the location of signals within the body. A powerful antenna collects the signals. The signals are collected and processed by powerful computers to generate detailed images of the body.
Elliot Hospital MRI operates a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Symphony Magnet. Our equipment is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
This scanner is not the traditional long tube. The table moves into a short tube that is open at both ends. The well-lit room is spacious with a skylight and windows. The soft colors provide a comfortable environment. Warm blankets are provided if needed. Music is provided or the patient may bring a CD. A nurse call bell is given to the patient as a form of communication to the technologist. Although the technologist can see you at all times, if you need to stop the exam, all you have to do is “squeeze the bell.”
Elliot Hospital
MRI Department
One Elliot Way
Manchester, NH 03103
MRI Patient Coordinator (603) 663-4141
MRI Department (603) 663-4499
What you can expect during the exam?
The MRI exam itself is painless. The technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table. A device called a coil will be adjusted into place. The table is moved into position within the large donut-shaped magnet. Keep in mind that the part of the body being imaged needs to be positioned in the center of the magnet. The technologist will be in contact with you at all times visually and through an intercom. You will hear a series of repetitive pulsing or knocking noises. This noise occurs when the images are being taken so it is particularly important to hold very still. Motion causes the images to blur and will extend the exam time since it would be necessary to repeat that sequence. Headphones with music or earplugs are offered to muffle the loud noises heard during the exam.
Your doctor or the radiologist will determine whether an injection of contrast (dye) is necessary to complete your test. MRI contrast is very different from x-ray contrast. It does not contain Iodine, which many patients are allergic to when having Cat Scan or IVP exams.