MRI

What is MRI?
          Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (MRI) provides physicians a method of seeing your internal body without using X-Rays. Over the years, MRI terms, as well as equipment, have changed considerably.
          Basically, MRI involves a powerful but harmless magnetic field. It is extremely accurage in helping to detect problems - relatively quick and easy.
          Your body contains tiny moving particles known as atoms. As you are placed inside a large magnetic field, the hydrogen atoms in your body will act like small magnets of their own. They receive radio signals from the MRI unit. As the signals are sent, your body responds - which is processed by the computer and turned into images. The images look like conventional X-Rays. They contain quite a bit more valuable information for the specialist.

What Will My Exam Be Like?
          From the moment you arrive to Advanced Medical Imaging of Stuart, every effort is made to provide you with comfort, care and convenience. Our dedicated staff will personally deal with your scheduling and authorization process. We will make films available, via our courier service, for outside consulations (within 24 hours).
          You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment and allow about one hour for the exam. Usually the exam takes less than 30 minutes. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can eat normally and continue taking medication. Don't wear any makeup since it may contain metallic components.
          You will be asked to put on a dressing gown. Then be scorted into the exam room. And asked to lie on a comfortable table.
          It is important not to take anything into the examining room that can be affected by the magnet. An MRI certified technologist will explain the quipment and procedure to you.
          To help you relax, AMIS has New 3-D Video Glasses that will reduce or eliminate claustrophobia. You can see your favorite TV program, watch a unique 3-D Video (DVD), listen to your favorite music - or simply relax.
          The technologist will be available during your entire exam. And will be able to see, hear and talk to you at all times. You will be aksed occasionally to hold your breath for a short time.
          Please remember not to move. Any movement will blur the image - just as it would during a photograph.

Does MRI Hurt?
          No! MRI itself is a painless procedure that has virtually no side effects.

Is MRI For Everybody?
          While the vast majority of people can have an MRI exam without difficulty, some cannot. If you have any of the following metal implants, you Should Not have an MRI scan:
          * Pacemaker
          * Cerebral Aneurysm Clips
          * Cochlear Implants
          * Dorsal Column Stimulator

If you are pregnant, be sure to inform your doctor, and the medical staff who will be conducting the exam.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

What Is Nuclear Medicine?
          Nuclear Medicine involves the use of radioactive materials to diagnose or treat medical conditions. We use very small amounts - which have no harmful effects - to allow us to take "pictures" or "scans".
          Under the supervision of a Board Certified Radiologist, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist will perform the procedure.
          First, you will be given an injection in your arm. Next, depending on the type of test, you will usually wait between 15 minutes to four hours, before we begin taking pictures. The scans usually take between 15 minutes and one hour. While you are waiting, you are free to read, walk, drive around, eat and drink.
          The scanning process does not hurt. You simply lie on the table. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. And for some - you should not eat for several hours before the test.

How Do I Prepare For My Test?
          Unless you are told otherwise, you don't need to do anything special before your test. You may eat breakfast and take any medication you normally use. The most common test which might require you to skip breakfast or your regular medication - are test of the stomach, gall bladder and thyroid.
          Following your test, a complete written report will be sent to your doctor - within 24 hours. You are almost always able to return to your normal daily routine - there are no effects of the small amounts of radioactive materials. There are no restrictions on your being around other people as well.

Please call Nuclear Medicine Department if you have any additional questions or concerns @ (772) 223-7000 ext. 113.

Each exam is specifically tailored to the patients personalized need.

PET

What Is A P.E.T. Scan?           
P.E.T. stands for Positron Emission Tomography - a powerful diagnostic tool that, in many cases, gives answers that no other imaging tests can provide.
          This translates to getting you back to health faster. Instead of detecting changes in the physical size or structure of internal organs, as other imaging technologies do - P.E.T. detects changes in cellular function (how cells are utilizing nutrients like sugar and oxygen). Since these functional changes take place before physical changes occur. P.E.T. will provide information to make an earlier diagnosis. A computer records this information and converts it into pictures.
          A very small amount of Fluorine Deoxy Glucose (FDG) will be injected. The amount of readiation you receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure.

What Are The Benefits Of a P.E.T. Scan?
          * Detailed Diagnostic Information.
          * Earlier Detection of Disease.
          * Shorter Time for Definitive Diagnosis.
          * More Effective Chemotherapy Tracking.
          * May Avoid Surgical Intervention.
          * Lowers the Overall Cost of Healthcare.

What Will Happen After The Scan?
          It is important that your drink as much as possible for the rest of the day. This will result in a more rapid clearance of radioactivity from your body. You can drive and resume normal activity immediately following the study, unless you receive sedation.

When Will I Get The Results?
          The final results will be given to your referring physician as soon as the images are analyzed - usually within 24 hours.

Gentle Reminder Checklist!
Prior To The Exam
          Please call to confirm your appointment 24-48 hours prior to your P.E.T. scan. Cancellation of appointment is required 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the cost of a nuclear dose.
Arrival Time
          Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Bring all pertinent previous studies (CT, Pathology Reports, Ultrasound, MRI and Nulcear Medicine) for comparision.
Length of Exam
          Allow 3 hours for your P.E.T. study. There will be a 1 hour waiting time after the FDG (Glucose) injection.
          PET scanning itself takes about 40 minutes for a brain study, 60-90 minutes for a heart study and 1-2 hours for a oncology study.
Food & Fasting Requirements
          You must be fasting 12 hours prior to your appointment - except for plain water. In addition, you should eliminate Carbohydrates from your diet (e.g. bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.) 24 hours prior.
Medication
          We will ask what medications you take when you schedule your appointment. Further instructions will be provided at that time. If you feel you have further questions, need sedation or are a diabetic - please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department at AMIS (ext. 113)