MRI Services at Penn Highlands

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a specialized diagnostic procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce images of soft tissues that are not seen with other imaging exams. It is a non-invasive, painless procedure that produces high-resolution digital images that are interpreted by radiologists to help physicians diagnose conditions that affect organs and tissues.

How does an MRI Capture the Images?

The MRI scanner creates a strong magnetic field that causes the hydrogen protons in your body to align in the same direction. Radio waves are then sent from the MRI scanner which increases the energy of the protons causing them to flip their polarity. When the radio waves stop, the atoms return to their original position and the energy is released which is captured and processed into computer generated images. This high-tech information is used by physicians in the detection and diagnosis of many types of disorders.

What Happens During an MRI?

A patient will typically be positioned lying flat on the imaging table. For some MRI’s such as a lumbar spine, the patient is laying on the coil that captures the signal that is released by the hydrogen protons. For other scans such as a knee, a coil will be placed around the anatomy being imaged. The MRI scanner makes a lot of noise as it operates, so head phones and/or earplugs are a must to protect the hearing of the individual being scanned. With some MRI scanners, the table on which the patient is positioned will move slightly in and out of the scanner during the exam. Patients are required to remain very still during the MRI in order to capture high-quality images and avoid unnecessary blurring in the pictures. During an MRI, a gadolinium based contrast agent may be injected into a vein. The contrast may be ordered to give the radiologist additional information relative to why the test was ordered.

Doctor Photo In Network
Pettinger, Maria, MD
Specialties

Radiology

Locations

Penn Highlands Huntingdon

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Locations at Penn Highlands
Imaging Services - BrookvilleA Service of Penn Highlands Brookville

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Brookville offer MRI Scans. Call 866-251-0710 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

100 Hospital Road
Brookville, PA 15825
814-849-1880,814-849-1870

Imaging Services - ClearfieldA Service of Penn Highlands Clearfield

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Clearfield offer MRI Scans and MRI Breast Scans. Call 814-768-2276 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

809 Turnpike Avenue
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-768-2276

Imaging Services - ConnellsvilleA Service of Penn Highlands Connellsville

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Connellsville offer MRI Scans. Call 724-620-2812 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM

401 East Murphy Avenue
Connellsville, PA 15425
877-374-7231

Imaging Services - DuBoisA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands DuBois offer MRI Scans and MRI Breast Scans. Call 814-375-4636 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
5:00 AM - 11:30 PM

100 Hospital Avenue
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-3261

Imaging Services - ElkA Service of Penn Highlands Elk

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Elk offer MRI Scans and MRI Breast Scans. Call 814-375-4636 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday - Friday
6:30 AM - 4:30 PM

763 Johnsonburg Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
814-788-8791

Imaging Services - HuntingdonA Service of Penn Highlands Huntingdon

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Huntingdon offer MRI Scans. Call 814-375-4636 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1225 Warm Springs Avenue
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-8624

Imaging Services - Mon ValleyA Service of Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Mon Valley offer MRI Scans. Call 724-258-1226 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

1163 Country Club Road
Monongahela, PA 15063
724-258-1000

Imaging Services - State CollegeA Service of Penn Highlands State College

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands State College offer MRI Scans.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

239 Colonnade Boulevard
State College, PA 16803
582-220-2172

Imaging Services - TyroneA Service of Penn Highlands Tyrone

Imaging Services at Penn Highland Tyrone offer MRI Scans. Call 814-375-4636 today to schedule your appointment.

Hours:
Monday - Friday
By Appointment

187 Hospital Drive
Tyrone, PA 16686
814-684-6385

Imaging Services – CaliforniaA Service of Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Imaging Services at the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Outpatient Center offer MRI Scans. Call 724-258-1226 today to schedule your appointment.



Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

371 Skyline Drive
California, PA 15419
724-258-1664

Imaging Services – Rostraver TownshipA Service of Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Imaging Services at the Peasant Village Professional Plaza offer MRI Scans. Call 724-258-1226 today to schedule your appointment.


Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

100 Peasant Village Lane
Rostraver Township, PA 15012
724-929-6736

What Parts of the Body are Imaged during an MRI?

MRIs are typically used to image the head, neck, spine, abdominal organs, pelvis, and extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet). Because MRI’s are very part specific with limited fields of view, technologists cannot do an MRI of the “leg”. The leg could be the hip, femur/thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle, foot and the physician’s order will be specific as to which part needs imaged.

How Long does an MRI Take?

The length of an MRI can vary based on many factors. MRI’s are typically about 30 minutes per body part for scan time with some being less while other scans could take up to an hour.

How do you Prepare for an MRI?

Typically, the MRI department will contact patients prior to an MRI appointment to go over specific MRI safety screening questions that may prevent someone from having an MRI. These safety questions will also give the MRI department time to investigate other potential safety concerns with anything a patient may have implanted within the body. It is also an opportunity to give patients specific instructions if necessary. On the day of the exam, a technologist will again review the screening questions with patients face to face to ensure their safety and answer any questions prior to testing. Metal objects are generally incompatible with the magnetic fields and therefore all jewelry, watches, coins, keys, cell phones and credit/debit cards should be left at home or placed in a locker prior to entering the MRI scan room. Depending on the body part being scanned or the clothing you are wearing, you may also be asked to change into hospital pants or gowns for your exam. Because the MRI is a very powerful magnet, MRI staff are highly trained individuals who work diligently to ensure your safety.

Are there any Restrictions as to Who Can Have an MRI?

An MRI may not be possible or appropriate for everyone. People who have implanted objects in their body such as a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator, spinal cord stimulator, cerebral aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, as well as other devices must alert the MRI department during the initial screening process. Some facilities do not have the capability to perform these types of exams. If the location is able to perform the exam, this will allow the technologist’s time to look into the device conditions and verify if the MRI scanner to be used can safely meet the specified conditions of the device manufacturer.

What Happens if you Become Uncomfortable During the MRI?

Patients are in constant contact with the MRI staff during the exam and are given an alarm ball to hold throughout the exam. If a patient has a problem, they can squeeze the ball to alert the technologist there is an issue and the technologist performing the test can stop the exam and have the patient out of the MRI scanner in a matter of seconds. The technologist watches the patient and also verbally checks the status of the patient between sets of pictures throughout the exam.

Can someone stay with me during the MRI?

Typically due to safety concerns, MRI staff are reluctant to allow visitors other than patients into the MRI scanner room. However, it is permissible in some cases especially with children or those who are extremely claustrophobic.

Are there any restrictions following an MRI?

Most people can resume their normal daily activities following an MRI unless they have been given a sedative or medication. People who are given medication or a sedative must have a driver. Also, if a patient receives MRI contrast there should be a 24 hour wait prior to having bloodwork drawn.

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