When you arrive at Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center you will be asked to fill out some general paperwork (download) and show your insurance card. You will also be asked to remove all metal objects. This includes your watch, jewelry, coins, keys, pens, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins or hair clips. You will have a private changing room and a locker for your personal belongings.

Since the MRI will erase information on bank cards and credit cards, you should put them into your locker, too. Wear comfortable clothing with no metal zippers or buttons. Do not wear makeup, as some products may contain metallic particles.

You will be asked if you have any of the following:

• A pacemaker
• Prosthetic device
• Metallic implants
• Tattoos
• Permanent eyeliner
• Brain aneurysm clips
• And if you may be pregnant

For Your Comfort
The TwinSpeed scanner resides in a large, spacious, well-lighted room at Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center. You lie flat and comfortably on the patient couch which slides smoothly into the TwinSpeed scanner. For additional comfort, the TwinSpeed is open at both ends, and there are large open windows overlooking our campus.

Perfect Pictures
Your technologist will direct the testing from a room where there are several monitor screens that instantaneously show the precise areas your physician has requested to know more about.

++ Companionship
The testing will take between 45 and 90 minutes. You may bring someone along to sit with you during the testing. Many people bring along a favorite CD or cassette tape. You are welcome to do so.

Children
The TwinSpeed is non-confining. A parent can sit with their child, hold the child's hand, and maintain eye contact with child during the testing. Some parents bring along a favorite book to read to their child.

Prior Studies
Let us know if you have had any prior surgery and/or other diagnostic procedures on the body part that we will be scanning. We will make arrangements to get your prior studies and reports for the radiologist to use as a comparison with your MRI exam. If we know a day or so before your scheduled MRI, we can have the prior study available, this will keep us from delaying your MRI report to your referring physician.

We've done everything we can to make your open MRI a pleasant experience. MRI is one of the best non-invasive diagnostic tools your physician has to help recommend the appropriate treatment for you. Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality MRI services. We offer very flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. At Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center, we set aside time just for you, so please make every effort to keep your appointment. However, if you are unable to keep your appointment, please call us as soon as you can.