478-746-1020
Monday-Friday, 7am-11pm
Saturday, 7am-7pm
Every other Sunday, 7am-5pm
World-Class Imaging
Right Where You Need It.
What Is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic test that combines a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology. MRI technology produces highly detailed 3-D images of internal body structures without the use of X-rays or radiation.
While X-rays are good at showing bones, MRI technology allows our health care providers to look further to see soft tissues such as ligaments and cartilage and internal organs including the heart, brain, spine, liver and eyes. With these images, our doctors and technologists are able to:
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Diagnose cancer, heart and vascular disease and problems in the spine, liver, brain and other organs
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Pinpoint the size and location of tumors
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Examine bones, joints and soft tissues including ligaments and cartilage for fractures, tears and other orthopedic injuries
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Determine if surgery is needed
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Diagnose diseases and disorders of the ears and eyes.
At the MRI Center Navicent Health, we offer two high-field strength MRI scanners including the 3.0 Tesla, the newest on the market and only one of four in use in Georgia.
MRI Center Navicent Health
At the MRI Center Navicent Health, our team of more than 30 specialty-trained, board-certified radiologists use the latest technology to provide patients and physicians with accurate images. For more than 25 years, we have offered world-class MRI services to residents of Central Georgia.
SIGNATM Architect 3.0T
Breast MRI
Our center uses special breast MRI to look specifically at the breast to produce 3-D images so doctors can look carefully inside of the breast without surgery. The non-invasive procedure allows doctors to identify the location and size of any tumors.
Breast MRI does not replace screening procedures such as mammograms, self- exams, fine needle aspiration or biopsies. However, the diagnostic tool can show contrast in the tumor from other breast tissue as much as 100 times greater than with a mammogram. But it does not detect certain small calcifications that can show up on mammograms to indicate early stages of cancer. A MRI can also image dense breasts in younger women as well as breast implants, which are both difficult to image with standard mammograms.
The best candidates for a breast MRI are women who have:
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Suspicious lumps or irregular mammograms
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Cancer diagnoses and will have surgery or chemotherapy followed by surgery
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High risks for breast cancer because of previous cancer diagnosis, family history of breast cancer or tested positive for one of the breast cancer genes.
It’s important for women to be screened for breast cancer beginning as early as 40 years of age. Early treatment is critical for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Risks and Precautions
As MRI scanners do not use X-rays or radiation, the diagnostic tool poses little risk to patients. Certain tests may require an intravenous contrast material that can cause mild allergic reactions. In such cases, our doctors are available for immediate assistance.
Patients who have pacemakers or other metal implants may be unable to have MRIs due to the strong magnetic field. Current technology has made many implants, pacemakers, etc. okay to scan.
Patients lie on their backs on tables that slides into the wide open, doughnut shaped scanner, so anyone who experiences claustrophobia in enclosed spaces may choose to receive a mild sedation before undergoing the test.
What to Expect
A typical procedure usually lasts from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the part of the body being examined. Patients must lie completely still while the scanner takes images, or slices, from various angles. The images are taken in several sequences, which can last from one to ten minutes.
During the sequences, the machine produces loud humming or “knocking” noises. Patients are given earplugs to help buffer the sound. Our technologists stay in constant communication throughout the procedure and alert patients before the noise begins.
The MRI Center Navicent Health is the only one in the region that provides board certified pediatric specialists who supervise sedation for children undergoing MRI scans.
Preparing for MRI Scans
Advise your doctor or technologist of any conditions or metal devices that could interfere with the scans.
These include:
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claustrophobia
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allergic reactions to contrast dye
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cardiac pacemakers
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eye or metal ear implants
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copper IUDs
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penile implants
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aneurysm clips
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shrapnel or non-removed bullets
Arrive 30 minutes before the exam time in order to register. If sedation or anesthesia is being administered, plan to arrive an hour in advance of the procedure. Patients receiving sedation must have someone to drive them afterwards.
Patients should also bring the following:
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Prescription or referral from a doctor
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List of current medications including non-prescription and supplements
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Insurance cards and picture ID
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Previous relevant images and reports done at another hospital or imaging center
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Medical history
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Pathology reports
Arrive 30 minutes before the exam time in order to register. If sedation or anesthesia is being administered, plan to arrive an hour in advance of the procedure. Patients receiving sedation must have someone to drive them afterwards.
Referrals
If your doctor recommends a MRI, ask to be referred to MRI Center Navicent Health. To refer patients, physicians can call 478-746-1020 or fax 478-746-0591.