open mri

Introducing the Open MRI

The Hitachi Oasis Open MRI is a true open scanner and provides you with a 270° unobstructed view. It is open to the front, back and most of the sides—and is equipped with a roomy bed allowing a much more pleasant experience.

Medical Imaging on 1st is proud to provide the first and only high field open MRI scanner in South King County.

The Hitachi is a “high field” open MRI. This means that your health care provider will appreciate the clarity of your images and you will like the fact that the exams are much faster than exams using previous generation open MRI scanners.

How does MRI work?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, painless exam that assists physicians in detecting and defining the differences between healthy, diseased or injured tissue. This technology uses magnetic fields, radio waves and computer processing to produce very clear images of your body without exposure to radiation.

What to Expect

Your scan will take about 30 to 40 minutes but allow 1 to 1 1/2 hours at the center. You may be asked to change into a gown. Secure lockers are provided for any jewelry (gold platinum or silver rings may be worn), watches, dentures, keys and other personal items.

How to prepare

There is no advanced preparation for an MRI exam.

For your safety

Surgically implanted or foreign metal objects in the body may make MRI unsafe. Please tell us if you have:

  • Pacemaker, artificial heart valves
  • Implanted clips, coils stents, pumps or other devices
  • Inner ear implants
  • Bone, nerve or neurostimulators
  • Metal shavings, BBs, bullets, eyelid tattoos or shrapnel

Before your MRI

We want to fully understand your unique medical situation. Please inform your technologist if any of the following apply:

  • If you are pregnant or think you may be
  • If you are allergic to latex, iodine or any medications
  • If you have had previous reactions to contrast
  • If you have kidney disease or renal failure
  • If you are diabetic and which medications you take
  • If you have medication administering patches, i.e. nicotine

If your MRI requires IV contrast

Depending upon your age and health history, you may also be asked to have your BUN and creatinine blood levels checked prior to your exam. For your convenience, Medical Imaging on 1st can provide this quick test at the time of your appointment, saving you an additional trip to a lab.

Your Results

Your exam will be interpreted by a board certified radiology physician from TRA Medical Imaging. Your report will be sent to your referring physician or healthcare practitioner who will review your results with you.

Test Drive our Open MRI

If you would like to schedule a 10-minute “test drive” on our Open MRI or take a peek at our 64 slice CT, call (253) 815-1231; press 4 to find a convenient time for you.

Find Us

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Our Physicians & Staff

Daniel N.D. Heller, M.D.
Daniel N.D. Heller, M.D.

TRA Doctors