Official Website of PENN Radiology

Patient Services

Patient Prep & Instruction Manual

Updated May 2006

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Scheduled Test: PROSTATE MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)

When:_____________

Date:_____________

Time:_____________

Where:	You will report to MRI Reception (Ground Floor/Founders Building). Appointments scheduled at or before 7:45 AM, or after 4:00 PM, or weekends report to Ground Dulles, Radiology Reception. The MRI telephone number is (215) 662-6570 Appointments scheduled at our Penn MRI at Radnor report to 250 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA - call (610) 902-1880 for directions.
Purpose:	MRI is a scanning technique that allows your doctor to see areas of your body without the use of x-rays. With a large magnet and radio frequencies, we can provide detailed images of internal body structures. MRI is considered an extremely safe procedure for most people, but because of the high magnetic field and radio frequencies there are some people who cannot have an MRI (See below). MRI of the prostate is a routine procedure at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Before you arrive:	MRI operates 7AM to 11PM so make sure you are arriving at the correct time of day. Bring referrals and insurance information along with your prescription or request slip. It is very helpful if you bring your biopsy results and that you know your PSA level so that we can better interpret your MRI examination. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes before your examination. If you do not arrive on time it is possible that we may need to reschedule your study for another day.
When you arrive:	The receptionist will ask you to fill out the MRI data sheet/ questionnaire. For your safety, you will be asked questions concerning implants and metals by the technologists. You will also be asked to remove ALL jewelry, watches, dentures, glasses and hearing aides. It may be easiest if you wear as few of these items as possible. You will be asked to place all items including your credit cards and wallet into a locker and change into a patient gown.
Your Scan:	To image the prostate, you will be placed on the MRI table and a special Bardex type catheter/coil (like those used for Barium Enema exams) is inserted into the rectum directly under the prostate gland. You may feel a mild discomfort during the initial insertion of the coil, but should be comfortable during the exam. A balloon on the tip of this catheter is inflated and signal is detected by this catheter/coil during the series of scans to produce highly detailed pictures of the prostate and surrounding tissue. There is an intercom system so that you can hear and talk to the technologist who is operating the scanner. During the exam you will hear a knocking sound, which is when you need to hold perfectly still. The scan is very sensitive to motion. If you move even a little during the scan, the entire scan may need to be repeated. Typically the exam is 45 minutes. This exam cannot be scheduled in the Penn Tower Facility.
Results of your test:	A radiologist will review your MRI examination. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in diagnoses by various imaging techniques. The radiologist reports the results to your physician, who will then discuss the findings with you. Images and reports can be obtained from the Radiology Film Library –(215) 662-3058/3059
YOU CANNOT HAVE AN MRI:
IF YOU HAVE A CARDIAC PACEMAKER , NEUROSTIMULATOR or CEREBRAL ANEURYSM CLIPS contact us immediately. Depending on the type of clip, we may not be able to perform an MRI. If you have any other type of biomedical implant, please inform us (215) 662-6570, because the MRI exam may not be possible. Also tell us if you had any brain, eye, ear or other surgery. IF YOU EVER HAD EXPOSURE TO METAL FRAGMENTS IN OR AROUND THE EYES, or work with metal such as arc-welding, grinding, drilling metal, tool and die work, please contact us. If you are CLAUSTROPHOBIC (fear of enclosed places) ask your physician if Oral or IV sedation is necessary. Medication for oral sedation must be prescribed and obtained from your physician prior to MRI. The MRI section cannot prescribe oral sedatives. Also call if you weigh over 400 lbs. Maximum weight limit for our largest unit is 440 lbs.
Questions:	Please call (215) 662-6570 (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) or (610) 902-1880 (Radnor MRI) to speak to a technologist about any questions or concerns.

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Last Updated:2/13/07 ALK