"I'M A CLAUSTROPHOBIC WHO ATTEMPTED TO BE SCANNED IN A TUNNEL TYPE MRI ONCE BEFORE. HOW DOES THE OPEN MRI DIFFER FROM THAT AWFUL TUNNEL MRI?"

An “open” MRI is just that, OPEN. The tunnel or tube that once was the only option has now been opened on all four sides allowing you to see out and reach out on all sides of your body. NMi’s MRI is open wider and taller than any other, even the most claustrophobic patient can receive an MRI scan in a non-confining manner without anxiety or discomfort. You can lie flat on you back, on your side and even stretch out. Your may even ask a friend to join you and chat while you’re having your examination.

"I'M A BIG PERSON... WILL I BE ABLE TO FIT IN THE MRI MACHINE WITHOUT FEELING CRAMPED?"

NMi’s open MRI opening is big enough to fit the largest patients. The wider, taller opening accommodates a patient that weighs as much as 500 lbs. The four open sides allow you to stretch out and rest comfortably for the duration of the scan, regardless of your size.

"ARE THE RESULTS OF MY EXAMINATION IN A WAY COMPROMISED BECAUSE I HAD AN OPEN MRI SCAN? ARE THEY'RE ANY DRAWBACKS?

The open MRI system at NMi offers excellent quality and allows the physician to make a proper and accurate medical diagnosis. There is no technical compromise in the comparison to the tunnel-type MRI system. There are no disadvantages for you, or your physician.

"HOW LONG WILL MY EXAM TAKE?"

The NMi open MRI provides the fastest scanning available for open MRI systems. Although it depends on the type of pictures your physician needs, you can expect your total examination time to last about 30 minutes.

"CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE MY SCAN?"

This will depend on the type of study, but typically, you will be asked NOT to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scan.

"HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW?"

You can expect to be in the PET center for one and a half to three hours. The actual scan itself takes far less time.

"HOW WILL I FEEL AFTERWARD?"

You should feel fine. There are no side-effets from the injected tracer. If you have a heart scan, you may feel flushed afterward.