Learning About Your Health

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

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What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

 An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a test that uses a powerful magnet, computer, and radio waves to take pictures inside your body (for example, muscles, organs, and bones). This helps your doctor find the cause of your illness. An MRI is painless, and you do not receive any radiation.

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Schedule Your MRI

Call any of the MRI Centers listed below to schedule your MRI test. The staff tells you if it is safe for you to have an MRI and where to go for the test.

  • Pacific Campus
    Call: (415) 600-2940
    Fax: (415) 885-8695
    Address: 2351 Clay Street in the Stanford Bldg., 1st Floor (Ground Level), Room 100
    Parking: 2405 Clay Street at Webster
  • California Campus
    Call: (415) 600-2940
    Fax: (415) 831-1037
    Address: 3700 California Street, Lobby Level, Room G350
    Parking: 460 Cherry Street at California
  • Davies Campus
    Call: (415) 600-6840
    Fax: (415) 600-6855
    Address: Castro & Duboce Streets, South Tower, Level B
    Parking: 45 Castro Street at Duboce
Note: Please tell the staff if you are pregnant, have a medical implant (such as a heart pacemaker or a cerebral aneurysm clip), metal fragments in your eye, or have had ear surgery.

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Before Your MRI

  • Your doctor gives you a referral form that tells the MRI Center what area of your body to scan. Bring this form to your appointment. Before your MRI, make sure your doctor's office faxes this form to the MRI Center where you have your test (see fax numbers aboce).
  • Please bring a list of all medicines you take.
  • You may bring a family member or friend to be with you during the scan.

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During Your MRI

  • The MRI usually takes 30-60 minutes. This test does not cause discomfort or pain for most people.
  • You remove all jewelry, glasses, hairpins, and hearing aids before your MRI.
  • You also leave any metal or magnetic objects outside of the MRI scanning area. You may have an x-ray taken to check for any metal in your body.
  • You lie comfortably on your back with support under your knees. You need to stay very still during the exam.
  • You are put into the MRI scanner, which is a large, tube-shaped machine (see picture above). The scanner has an "open" design which reduces the feeling of being "closed in."
  • The MRI scanner makes rapid, loud "knocking" sounds during scanning. You are offered earplugs for your comfort.
Note:
  • If you have an MRI scan of the pelvis, a substance may be put into the muscle to improve the scan.
  • If you have an MR Arthrogram, a liquid (called a contrast) is put into a vein within the joint being scanned. The contrast helps the doctor see the MRI more clearly.

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Getting Your Test Results

Usually, the results are given to your primary (regular) doctor within 1 day of your test.

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More Ways to Learn

Visit the RadiologyInfo Web site.


Produced by the Center for Patient and Community Education in association with the Department of Radiology at California Pacific Medical Center. Last updated: 6/07

Photo by Bill Posner.

© 2003 - 2008 California Pacific Medical Center

Funded by: A generous donation from the Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Ciocca Foundation.

Note: This information is not meant to replace any information or personal medical advice which you get directly from your doctor(s). If you have any questions about this information, such as the risks or benefits of the treatment listed, please ask your doctor(s).

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