Wilmington Health Radiology uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide high-quality, high-speed images. Our experienced staff includes board-certified technologists who perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
At Wilmington Health’s 1202 Medical Center Drive location, we have the SIGNA Artist AIR Edition, with scan times reduced by 40% for most exams. The new AIR coils versatility and flexibility allows for a more comfortable patient experience.
“Designed with both patients and providers in mind, the SIGNA™ Artist AIR™ Edition, GE Healthcare’s premium 1.5T MR system, leverages intelligent scanning technology to enable comfortable, patient-friendly exams with optimal image quality in less time. The SIGNA™ Artist provides feet-first imaging and 360 degrees of coil coverage to accommodate all types of scans and patient sizes, helping to reduce patients’ table time by 37%. Feet-first option reduces claustrophobia rejection rate by 90%.”
AIR™ Coils Clinical versatility and comfort is an engineering breakthrough which allows coil design that is lighter, offers more flexibility and provides greater coverage; laying the groundwork for greater positioning freedom and a comfortable patient experience delivering images with remarkable clarity.
Radiology can perform cutting-edge imaging, including high-resolution, detailed:
- Neurology and orthopaedic imaging
- Breast imaging
- Cardiac imaging
- Contrast and non-contrast imaging
- Abdominal imaging
- Pelvic imaging
- Prostate Imaging
Prior to your exam, please review the following checklist:
- Please bring previous X-rays, any related exam reports, such as CT, US, or any prior MRI exam reports that are applicable to the exam. The radiologist may want to review them. (For example, if you are having a knee MRI, bring any previous X-rays of your knee.)
- Most exams do not require fasting. However, abdominal exams require nothing to eat or drink by mouth 4 hours prior to the exam.
- You can take any medication you may currently be taking. It is not necessary to stop taking it prior to the exam. In fact, the exam will be much more comfortable if you continue to take your medication.
Please reach out to us directly if you have any of these implants so we can verify the conditions to determine if you can safely have an MRI exam:
- Cochlear implants
- Penile Implant
Any patients with any of the listed devices below will be referred to an outside facility for MRI scanning:
- Pacemaker/Defibrillator
- Deep Pain Stimulators
- Neuro Stimulators
You will be asked a series of questions concerning your surgical and occupational background. If this history includes metal work (welders, grinders, etc.) or metal implants, please be sure to tell the technologist prior to your exam. Preliminary X-rays may need to be taken.
You must arrive with all body piercings removed. Do not wear any jewelry on the day of your exam; wedding rings are “okay”. If you cannot remove any piercings yourself, you must have them professionally removed prior to arrival for your MRI exam (technologists are not allowed to remove piercings at your appointment). Department policy does not allow an MRI scan to be performed with any piercings on a patient.
If you think you may be claustrophobic, ask your doctor to prescribe medication prior to the exam. If you do receive medications, please bring someone with you who will be able to drive you home, because you will not be able to drive yourself.
An MRI scan is probably one of the easiest and most comfortable exams you may ever experience. The technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table that will automatically move into the MRI machine, which is open at both ends. The technologist will be in contact with you throughout the entire exam.
When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound that will last for several minutes. All you need to do is relax and lie as still as possible, because any movement during this time can distort the image. When the scanning is complete, the technologist will assist you off the table.
For some studies, a contrast agent may need to be injected to better visualize the area being examined. Unlike contrast agents used in other radiology studies, MRI contrast agents do not contain iodine and rarely cause allergic reactions or side effects.
If you need a contrast injection, please tell your doctor, nurse, and/or MRI technologist if you are:
- Allergic to any medicine, either prescription or over the counter
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Aware of any other medical conditions, especially allergies or asthma (history of), kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease
All of this is done in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Our GE SIGNA™ Artist AIR™ Edition has a 70cm-wide bore, which is wider than most other MRI systems in the Wilmington area. Plus, it can accommodate patients weighing up to 500 pounds.
Patient comfort is key! The GE SIGNA™ Artist AIR™ Edition offers feet-first imaging for nearly all exams, upgraded table cushions to increase the comfort level, and music to listen to during the exam. Because the GE SIGNA™ Artist AIR™ Edition is fixed within the building, patients don’t have to travel to a mobile unit.
If you need images for diagnosis or treatment, talk to your doctor about a referral to Wilmington Health Radiology today.