MRI

Hurley's new state-of-the-art MRI provides fast, safe, accurate imaging so that our physicians can provide the highest level of patient care.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for Children

Hurley's new state-of-the-art MRI: the only hospital-based MRI in the area

Hurley’s new GE 450W magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit is faster than traditional MRI imaging. It is also the only hospital-based MRI in the Flint community that provides fast, safe, highly accurate imaging to help our Hurley physicians provide the highest quality care for your child. 

Special features of Hurley's new MRI technology:

  1. Large MRI tunnel: Also called the bore, the imaging opening is 20 cm larger than other hospital-based MRI units in the region. This means that all of our patients of all sizes, babies to the elderly, can comfortably receive imaging, even large patients.
     
  2. Quieter than other models: As well as being more comfortable for the patient, our quieter machine helps the Hurley technologist to obtain an accurate scan on the first attempt.
     
  3. Superior images with advanced application capabilities: The new machine allows for enhanced vascular imaging, such as imaging of the brain, abdomen, breast, spine and kidneys.
     
  4. Removable “Express” table: Patients with limited mobility (disabled or even unconscious) can be safely and efficiently moved in and out of the imaging tunnel so that other patients are not kept waiting.
     
  5. Located within Hurley Medical Center: This new MRI Suite has its own waiting room with a location that is ideal for outpatients, inpatients, and urgent emergency department patients.
     
  6. Sedation: Both Pediatric and Adult sedation are available with a physician order.  Sedation performed within a hospital setting is much safer than within an offsite clinic.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed 3-D or sliced images of your child’s organs and tissues. An MRI scan is often used to study injury to nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, or other tissues in the body; problems in the spine; and masses and tumors. An MRI machine looks like a large tube or tunnel.

During the MRI procedure

An MRI usually takes 30-60 minutes. Some MRI exams require an injection of contrast material. During the MRI, your child will lie on a table that slides into a tunnel or tube-shaped machine. The technologist will position the table in the tunnel so the area of your child's body to be examined can be imaged. During the scanning progress, your child will hear a very loud knocking sound as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner. Earplugs are given to help block the noise.

We make your child's MRI as comfortable as possible 

For an MRI, children must hold still and some of the exams are long. To make this as pleasant and relaxing as possible: 

  • Young patients can watch their favorite DVD and have their parents with them during the procedure.
  • We offer pediatric sedation, monitored at all times by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and supervised by an Anesthesiologist.
  • We require all of our MRI technologists to be registered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists with special registration in MRI. 

For physicians: Boarding an MRI patient

For information on boarding an MRI patient, please call (810) 262-9674.