Exams and Preps > MRI

Advanced Medical Imaging is proud to offer both high field open and high field MRI for our patients.

MRI is safe, painless and non-invasive. The test usually takes between 20-60 minutes. To get the best possible picture, it is important to relax and remain still during the test. MRI complements x-ray and/or CT exams, and can sometimes eliminate the need for biopsy or exploratory surgery, because it can provide such detailed information about your body.

Advanced Medical Imaging offers you a choice in MRI. Our General Electric (GE) high-field (1.5 Tesla) MRI is located immediately behind Harrison Hospital in Bremerton. This magnet requires that the patient lie comfortably inside a "tube." Inside the tube has soft lighting, the ability to talk to the MRI technologist at any time, and the option of wearing headphones for listening to your choice of music on CD. This MRI center has received accreditation by the American College of Radiology.

AMI in Silverdale offers a High Field MRI, the latest-generation MRI scanner offers some of the clearest images available.  According to Michael Cook, MD, Medical Director for Advanced Medical Imaging, "This piece of medical imaging equipment is of tremendous diagnostic benefit to the community, and we are pleased to be able to offer this important improvement in healthcare to our patients.  The 1.5 tesla magnet lets physicians see clearer internal images like never before, so they can make the most informed decisions about patient care." This MRI machine is great for:

• general abdominal imaging
• high-resolution peripheral angiography
• spine imaging
• high resolution static and dynamic joint studies
• free breathing coronary artery imaging
• neurological scans
• breast scans
• cardiac scans

Patient comfort is a priority and the scanning times last only 15 to 40 minutes for most studies.  The compact design make it less intimidating in appearance, the color scheme reduces the feeling of claustrophobia and most scans can be conducted with the head entirely outside the opening of the machine.

AMI in South Kitsap offers high field open MRI.  This state-of-the-art technology is great for claustrophobic, portly, anxious, or young patients who are apprehensive to be imaged inside a 'tube'.  This 270-degree open, unobstructed view MRI is a break-through in technology as it offers outstanding image quality - better or equal to high field MR - yet is very patient friendly.  It offers excellent imaging for every region of the body, with fast scan times. It has also received accreditation by the American College of Radiology.

The imaging table can hold up to 500 pounds and can lower to 20 inches, making it easy to accommodate many types of patients.  It offers motion compensation technology.  There are a variety of specialized coils used for advanced detailed studies of the brain, spine, shoulders, legs, wrist, breast, neurovascular, and abdomen.

Our new High Field Open MRI in South Kitsap is very patient friendly.

Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe place outside the scan room: coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, keys, hairpins, removable dental work and any other metal objects. People with metal devices in their body may not be able to have this test.

Patients may log onto www.IMRSER.org to view a video entitled "What to Expect During your MRI Exam" for more helpful information.

MRA Chest and/or Abdomen: Nothing to eat or drink by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.

MRI Abdomen, female pelvic, or MRCP: Nothing to eat or drink by mouth 6 hours prior to exam. If you must take medication, call (360) 377-7226 for instructions. 

Breast MRI: nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam.