Breast MRI MRI Guided Breast Biopsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combines a powerful magnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed images of organs and tissues in order to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. An MRI is painless, non-invasive and free of radiation. Because detailed images can be acquired from any angle, MRI is excellent in detecting most malignancies and neurological diseases of the brain, spine and pelvis. It’s also widely used with sports-related injuries, especially those affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow and wrist. Plus, by examining the organs of the chest and abdomen, it can identify tumors and functional disorders.

What is a MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced technology that lets your doctor see internal organs, blood vessels, tumors, muscles, joints and more without radiation or surgery. MRI is a procedure that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to construct pictures of the body. Your physician may send you for Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) this is also a form of an MRI, which specifically looks at blood vessels.

Here at Advanced Imaging Specialists, Danielle and Leigh Ann will be your MRI technologists, and with their extensive background in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and their many years of experience they will be able to assist you every step of the way.

How do I prepare for my test?

Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, advise your doctor or Danielle and Leigh Ann if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve, Aneurysm clips, Cochlear implants, a neurostimulator, metal pins/ plates/ implants, foreign metal objects in your eye or an implanted drug infusion device. Also, if you are pregnant, let the doctor know.

Even metal objects not made of iron or steel can interfere with the exam. You will be asked to remove coins, jewelry, watches, keys, dentures or partial plates, hearing aids and bank and credit cards.

Advanced Imaging Specialists has designated separate women’s and men’s dressing and waiting areas equipped with lockers for your convenience. No preparatory tests, diets or medications are usually needed.

How is my test performed?

To begin the exam you will lie down on the scan table. When you hear loud clicks, don’t be alarmed, that is the sound that occurs when pictures are being taken. If you are interested, ear plugs or music are available for you. Very similar to standard photographic cameras, if you move, it could cause blurriness and the scans will be out of focus. In any case, although it’s noisy, an MRI exam is completely painless. The only thing you must do is hold still.

If necessary, you may be injected with a solution called a “contrast agent”. This allows the radiologist to see the image more clearly. MRI contrast agents typically have few or no side effects and the injection will likely feel like a slight pinch. You will be asked to give your consent to the injection, at which time a more detailed explanation about the contrast agent will be given to you by the technologist under the authority of the radiologist.