Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):  Head to Toe Technology

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a highly advanced diagnostic test that provides detailed images of the body.  It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to scan your body and produce particularly clear pictures that cannot be seen on conventional X-rays. 

There are numerous advantages to using MRI over other diagnostic techniques.  MRI is painless, non-invasive, and has no known side effects.  It can obtain information that other technology can not capture, and can, therefore, lead to early detection and treatment of disease.  Its impact is far-reaching, with implications for physicians in fields ranging from cardiology, endocrinology and gastroenterology, to neurology, neurosurgery, oncology and orthopedics.

Combined, the Saint Barnabas Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center have a total of four MRI’s (including an open MRI), offering a full spectrum of MRI Services and new applications such as:

• MR angiography (MRA) and cardiac imaging

• MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) that replaces the traditional endoscope for the detection of biliary disease

• diffusion/perfusion scanning which can detect stroke within minutes of onset.  This may allow for earlier treatment.

• breast imaging