611 MRI•CT – State College
611 University Drive, State College, PA 16801
Tel: (814) 234-2600 Toll Free: (800) 624-6110 Fax: (814) 867-5285

611 MRI•CT – Altoona
2950 Fairway Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Tel: 814-946-8000 Fax: 814-946-8002

About MRI
MRI uses two safe and natural forces, a magnetic field and radio waves, to produce vivid images of internal body parts. Images are interpreted by a radiologist to see if a medical condition is present.   Results are then sent to your doctor who will review them with you.

No special preparation is necessary before your exam. You may eat and drink as you normally do.

You may wear your own clothing if it contains no metal such as zippers, snaps, etc. A good choice would be sweatpants and a top.   If your clothing is unsuitable, a dressing gown will be provided.

A restroom and individual dressing rooms are available for your privacy. All metal objects, including coins and watches will be kept in a locker.

Someone may stay with you during the exam. A comfortable lounge is available for other family members or friends.

The MRI contains a padded bed on which you will lie during the exam. An MRI technologist will be in continual voice and visual contact with you. Exams normally last 20 to 45 minutes.

Only a few people are excluded from having an MRI. Please review this list and contact your doctor if you have:

A Pacemaker
Cardiac Pumps
A Defibrillator
Aneurysm Clips in the Brain
Carotid Clip
Metal Fragments in your Eye(s)
Inner Ear Implants

Some MRI scans require the use of gadolineum, a safe contrast media. This is given intravenously during the exam to highlight certain body parts. Please consult your doctor if you:

Are Pregnant or Nursing
Have Asthma
Are Anemic
Have Ever had an Adverse Reaction to Contrast Media

Open MRI
The Hitachi Airis Open MRI is designed to minimize claustrophobia. Open MRI is unique because it is comfortable, quiet and open on all four sides! It can accommodate large patients up to 500 pounds.

Our experienced technologists are used to helping patients that feel apprehensive. Almost all of our patients say that their MRI exam was much easier than they expected. This is just one of the many reasons patients travel long distances to 611 Open MRI.

High-Resolution MRI
611 Open MRI uses a GE 1.5 High-Field MRI and so do many of America's Best Hospitals. According to US News and World Report, the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts General, UCLA Medical Center and other top hospitals use the same MRI as at 611 Open MRI.

This scanner is unique in that it has a very large opening that is flared at both ends, and more importantly is only 3' in length, which is half the length of the usual tube type MRI found in most hospitals. With the OPEN Flairs, many patients with claustrophobia are able to be scanned in this very fast and high quality scanner. In addition, the High-Field MRI can accommodate many larger patients weighing up to 350 pounds.

Exam Preparation
No special preparation is necessary before your exam. You may eat and drink as you normally do.

You may wear your own clothing if it contains no metal such as zippers, snaps, etc. A good choice would be comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If your clothing is unsuitable, a dressing gown is provided.

A restroom and individual dressing rooms are available for your privacy. All metal objects, including coins, jewelry, credit cards and watches, will be secured in a locker.

Someone may stay with you during the exam. A comfortable lounge is available for other family members and friends.

The MRI contains a padded bed on which you will lie during the exam. An MRI technologist will be in continual voice and visual contact with you. Exams usually last 20-45 minutes.

The exam consists of a series of 4- to 7-minute scans. You will hear a knocking sound during the scanning periods. You should remain very still during the scanning periods, as any movement will cause poor images.

Music of your choice can be played during the exam. Feel free to bring your own compact disc.