River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic Center is the leading outpatient provider of imaging services in the greater Houston area. Your health, diagnosis and treatment are paramount to us. Throughout your examination, our goal is to provide a comfortable, yet professional atmosphere. Committed to providing the highest quality services, we offer the latest technology to ensure our team of board-certified radiologists produces accurate and timely information to assist your physician with properly identifying and treating your condition.

WHAT IS MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate methods of diagnostic imaging available today. MRI enables your physician to explore the human body and produce precise diagnostic information without the use of ionizing radiation or invasive procedures.

HOW DOES A MRI WORK?

MRI utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to construct a computer image. The image is then printed on a special film which is reviewed by a radiologist.

THE OPEN MRI ALTERNATIVE

River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic offers an Open MRI which uses state-of-the-art technology. Some of the advantages of an Open MRI include:

A more relaxed, less confining environment than traditional MRI
Painless exam
Low noise level
Your favorite cassette tape or CD can be played during the exam
If needed, a friend or family member can be in the room during your procedure

IS AN OPEN MRI FOR EVERYONE?

Some medical conditions may prevent you from having a MRI exam. An exam cannot be performed if you have any of the following:

Certain cardiac valves
Pacemaker
Aneurysm clips
Certain inner ear implants
Metal fragments in one or both eyes

Although River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic uses the most advanced Open MRI technology, your physician may require that your exam be performed on a high field strength MRI unit.Our scheduling department can assist you with scheduling your exam on either an open MRI or a high field MRI at River Oaks Imaging.

WHAT PREPARATIONS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE THIS EXAM?

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breast-feeding, please inform your physician and our staff before your exam.
Take all of your usual medications, but inquire about taking sedation or pain medication prior to your exam.
If you are claustrophobic and require sedation, please bring a driver and notify our Scheduling Department.
Most MRI exams do not have eating or drinking restrictions; however, our staff will inform you of any dietary restrictions that may be required at the time your exam is scheduled.
No metal objects are allowed in the scan room. This includes, but is not limited to jewelry, watches, credit or bank cards, hair pins, clips or barrettes, wigs, hearing aids, beepers, keys or key chains, and loose pocket change.
Remove eye make-up before your exam. Some make-up contains metal, which may distort the images.
A locker will be available to store your personal items; however, we recommend that you leave all valuables at home.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE EXAM?

The procedure requires a few basic steps, although some aspects may vary during your test.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
A MRI technologist will assist you with your positioning on the padded exam table.
Lie as still as possible; motion can cause blurred images.
The MRI technologist will be in constant communication with you during the exam.
For your comfort, blankets and/or pillows will be provided upon request.

Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable MRI experience.

HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?

A typical Open MRI exam is completed within an hour. The actual time may vary depending on what type exam was ordered by your physician. A MRI technologist will communicate with you during the exam process and keep you updated on completion time.

MRI RESULTS

Our highly skilled licensed technologists will produce images for a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and dictate a report, which then is forwarded to your physician.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATES

Our technical staff are trained extensively in this highly specialized area and are registered in Magnetic Resonance Imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. All radiologists are board certified.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions about your ability to participate in a MRI procedure, or if you wish to know more about Open MRI, consult your physician or contact a member of our staff and we will be happy to assist you.

River Oaks Imaging & Diagnostic is geographically accessible with multiple locations. All facilities offer convenient, extended hours. Please call our scheduling department at (713) 512-6040 to determine which facility will best serve you. We look forward to a partnership with you and your physician, which will promote your health.