Our MRI Services
At Fox Valley Orthopaedic Institute, our patients are Always First. We take great pride in providing you with reliable and consistent care and are committed to offering you a pleasant and safe MRI experience. You can expect to be cared for by compassionate, highly-trained ARRT certified technologists. Your examination will be read by knowledgeable, board-certified radiologists within 24 business hours. We are proudly accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) so you can ensure that your images are of the highest quality.
MRI Locations:
High Field short bore MRI unit
Fox Valley Orthopedic Institute
North Building
2535 Soderquist Court
Geneva, IL 60134
Low Field open MRI unit
Fox Valley Orthopedic Institute
South Building
2525 Kaneville Road
Geneva, IL 60134
What is MRI?
MRI is a painless, diagnostic imaging test which aids in the evaluation of injuries and/or disease in various areas of the body. MRI uses high powered magnetic fields, low frequency radiowaves, and computers to obtain pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone, and other internal structures. These images are interpreted by a radiologist and a report is sent to your ordering physician who will determine the best treatment plan for you. One of the benefits of MRI is that it does not use ionizing radiation.
The Magnetic Resonance (MR) machine uses a very strong magnetic field that can
not be turned off. It can be very dangerous for individuals to enter the MR environ-
ment if he or she has certain metallic, electronic, magnetic, or mechanical
implants, devices, or objects. Before you enter the scan room, you will be asked
to complete a screening questionnaire to ensure your safety.
We offer the convenience of two types of MRI scanners, each with its own unique benefits. Our newest 1.5T high-field MRI unit utilizes short-bore technology. This means that the imaging area inside the magnet is shorter in length and wider than older MRI units, which helps to reduce patient anxiety and increases comfort during the examination. Due to it’s design, this MRI Unit produces highly detailed images and most patient exams take 20-40 minutes.
Our .3T MRI unit, shown below, utilizes an open bore technology. This option is a good alternative for severely claustrophobic (fear of enclosed spaces) patients and larger patients-up to 500lbs. Most exams take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you have claustrophobia or anxiety, you may want to ask your physician for a mild sedative prescription to take prior to your exam.
MRI Scheduling Information:
If you have questions or to schedule an MRI appointment, please contact the MRI Department:
Ph: 630-938-4004
Fax: 630-938-4013
We will make every effort to schedule a convenient date and time. We offer evening and weekend appointments for your added convenience.
During the scheduling process, you will be asked a series of questions
pertaining to your health and surgical history to ensure a safe MRI experience.
It is FVOI’s policy that a legal guardian or parent be present during a minor’s MRI exam. If this is not possible, you may appoint a responsible adult to act as temporary guardian to be present during the exam by completing the MRI Authorization for Medical Attention. For In addition, please complete the following forms: MRI Authorization Form, MRI Screening Level 2 Form, and MRI Patient History Form and ask the appointed guardian to bring these documents to your child’s appointment.
It is important for your safety that you immediately inform the MRI staff of
your surgical history and any prior injuries with metal. Alert an MRI
staff member before entering the MRI scan room if you have any of
the following:
· Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
· Brain aneurysm clips(s)
· Heart implants and heart stents
· Electronic implants or devices (such as a drug pump or neurostimulator)
· Magnetic implants or devices
· Cochlear (inner ear) implants
· Catheter that has metal components
· Bullets, shrapnel, or other type of metal fragments
· Prior accident involving metal to the eyes
· Pregnant
Feel free to download our MRI forms to complete at your convenience.
Please bring the following forms to your MRI appointment:
MRI Screening Level 2 Form
MRI Patient History Form
MRI Authorization Form
General MRI Preparation:
- Bring your insurance card and a form of ID to your appointment
- Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment time unless you've been told differently by the MR scheduler
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing with no metal fasteners
- Leave all jewelry at home
- Bring any prior, relevant imaging exams to your appointment. (x-rays, MRI, etc.)
- You may bring a music CD or MP3 player to listen to during your exam.
- If you are having a head or neck exam, please have dry, clean hair, and no hair products. Please do not wear mascara or eyeliner as some of these products have metallic components
- If your physician prescribed a sedation medication for you to take for your examination, arrange for transportation to and from the MR facility
When you arrive for your exam:
You will be asked to complete some brief registration paperwork and questionnaire regarding your surgical and medical history.
For your comfort, you may want to use the washroom before your exam. A gown or shorts will be offerred. Clothing with metal fasteners, zippers(undergarments), etc. will not be permitted in the MRI exam room.
Examples of items that must be removed prior to entering the MRI scan room are listed below:
· Remove all jewelry and body piercings (e.g. necklaces, pins, rings).
· Remove keys and all loose metal objects such as a pocketknife, nail
clipper, pens, coins, etc.
· Remove all hairpins, bobby pins, barrettes, hair clips, etc. Informed the
technologist if you are wearing a wig or hairpiece.
· Remove hearing aides (the magnet will cause irreparable damage).
· Remove eyeglasses (contacts are safe).
· Remove your watch, pager, cell phone, credit cards, bankcards, and all
other cards with a magnetic strip. The magnet will permanently damage
these items.
· Steel toed footwear must remain in the dressing room.
· Remove dentures, false teeth, and partial dental plates
What can I expect during my exam?
We will thoroughly explain the examination and answer all questions you may have. You may be asked to change into a gown and remove any loose metallic objects before entering the MRI scan room.
After being escorted into the MR scan room by a MRI staff member, you will be asked to lie down on a padded table, either feet first or head first depending upon the examination. The table will be gently guided into the magnet by MR personnel.
You will be given a call button to alert the technologist should you need anything throughout your exam. The MRI technologist can visually see you at all times from the control room located right outside of the scan room.
As the machine acquires your images, you will hear a loud knocking noise. To protect against hearing damage, you will be required to wear hearing protection (either earplugs or headphones). For most exams, we can provide you with headphones so you may listen to music of your choice.You are welcome to bring your favorite CD or MP3 (iPod).
After completing a brief visitor screening, loved ones of young children or severely claustrophobic patients can accompany the patient into the scan room during his or her examination. This is safe because MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
In some cases, a contrast material called gadolinium may be injected into your vein to
gain more information. Please notify the technologist if you have severe asthma or allergies, kidney or liver disease, or are pregnant or nursing.