Welcome to the Coliseum Imaging Center blog! Our aim is provide helpful, accurate information and insights into MRI trends, injury awareness and prevention as well as medical imaging technology.

MRI combines strong magnetic fields along with radio waves to produced computer-generated images of organs, tissue and the skeletal system.  In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body that can been seen with an x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.  Due to the high levels of magnetism, it is important to avoid introducing any kind of metal to the exam area.  According to the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the powerful magnetic forces present during an MRI can attract metal objects abruptly and with great strength, which could cause serious harm to both the patient and the equipment.  It is crucial that one does not enter the MR environment unattended by MR personnel.

All clothing containing metal, including jeans with metal buttons and bras containing underwires, jewelry, cell phones, keys, or any other metal object must be removed prior to each exam.  At Coliseum, our MRI staff will screen each patient as to any metal objects in their body and our MRI techs will provide a private area in which the patient can remove them and prepare for the MRI.  To speed up the MRI check-in and pre-exam process, it is a good idea to remove all metal prior to your visit to the facility.

Metal fillings in teeth will not be affected by the magnet and are no cause for alarm.

If a patient has an implanted or attached medical device that contains metal, including hearing aids, a pacemaker, stent(s), or other implants, the patient will be asked in advance to provide documentation on implants (if available) or other pertinent information to ensure the MRI exam is safe.  The presence of metal fragments or other metallic material in a patient’s body may require an X-ray prior to MRI treatment to ensure safety and minimize risk and imaging obfuscation.