3T MRI Now Available in Green Valley

As part of our commitment to offering the most advanced radiology services, SARA is proud to offer the only 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner in Green Valley, and the newest 3T MRI scanner in Pima County. 3T MRI is more powerful than 1.5T MRI, delivering improved image quality and faster scan times compared with 1.5T MRI. The new 3T MRI has a 70cm wide bore and a wide table that is low to the ground, all to improve patient comfort and ease of getting on and off of the scanner table. The machine is designed to encourage feet-first scans, meaning more head-out scans, reducing the chance that patients suffer from claustrophobia. It also works with a new adaptive lightweight and flexible coil, just another feature that focuses on maximizing patient comfort during the scan.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure which utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain detailed images of internal organs and tissues. This procedure is painless, non-invasive and is performed without the use of radiation.

Each MRI produces a complete array of images which enable our radiologists to ascertain the difference between diseased and normal tissues. The MRI procedure has proven success for the diagnosis of many conditions in all parts of the body including:

  • Cancer
  • Heart and Vascular Disease
  • Stroke
  • Breast Disease
  • Joint and Musculoskeletal Disorders

How is an MRI
Performed?

The MRI is a simple and easy experience for most patients. Your complete exam will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities. Your technologist will guide you thru the exam, which typically involves:

  • Change into a hospital gown
  • Recline and relax on the scanning table
  • Remain as motionless as possible while the table moves into the tube-shaped scanner
  • You will hear the scanner produce tapping noises during the imaging
  • After the scan, the table will slide out of the scanner

You will be carefully monitored by your technologist throughout the procedure, and you will be able to communicate any fears or concerns with your technologist during the exam.

Preparing for Your MRI Procedure

Your health, safety, and comfort are important to us. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the MRI procedure. Preparing for your MRI procedure is easy:

  • Usually there are no special preparations or diet instructions
  • Please continue prescription medications
  • Please remove any metal objects such as earrings, watches, rings, or eyeglasses
  • Women should always inform their technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
  • Please bring a driver with you, if you are claustrophobic.

For your safety, it is important to communicate with your technologist regarding your exposure to metal objects. A MRI procedure may not be possible if you have any of the following:

  • Pacemaker
  • Aneurysm clips
  • A history of working with metal
  • An implanted drug infusion device
  • Metallic plates, pins, screws or other implants