Open Air Imaging

When your physician recommends an MRI, it is your choice where you want the examination completed.
This is an important decision because the quality of your exam results will determine the type of treatment and future care you receive. Not all MRI centers are the same; some are in semi-trailers, others are in a hectic hospital environment. Since you are likely to have only one or two MRI exams in your lifetime, you may find that it is worth the drive to Open Air Imaging in Uniontown, PA. We make sure that each patient's privacy is protected and that you are comfortable during the exam. We use state-of-the-art equipment. Your exam results will be precise and will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours

Patient Scheduling Tips
Please be prepared to give the following information if your physician has asked you to call and schedule your exam: Name, Social Security number, date of birth, exam and diagnosis, name of physician ordering the test and the type of insurance you have.

Our staff will remind you to bring any necessary paperwork with you, ask whether or not you have been given the necessary paperwork, ask whether or not you have been given the necessary information about preparing for the exam, and then will schedule a time that is convenient for you.

If your physician has scheduled the exam, but you have questions, please feel free to call us and we will try to answer any questions that you may have.

Speeding Up Your Visit
To make your visit much quicker, please print & fill out the following forms and bring them along with you to your appointment. These forms are in Adobe .PDF format for your ease. If you do not have Adobe Acrobrat Reader, you can download it here.

Abdomens, RUQ, Gallbladder, Biliary, Liver, Hepatic, Spleen Sonograms:
Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to exam. (Medications may be taken with small amounts of water.)

Aorta or Abdominal Aorta Sonogram:
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam. (Medications may be taken with small amounts of water.)

Renal or Kidney Sonogram:
Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to exam. Drink 20 oz of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not void.

Pelvic Sonogram:
Start drinking 32 oz of fluid (four 8 oz cups) 1.5 hours (90 minutes) prior to the test. Have all fluid finished 60 minutes prior to the exam. Do not void.

Pregnancy or OB Sonograms - First and Second Trimesters (0 to 26 weeks):
Start drinking 32 oz of fluid (four 8 oz cups) 1.5 hours (90 minutes) prior to the test. Have all fluid finished 60 minutes prior to the exam. Do not void.

Pregnancy or OB Sonograms - Third Trimester (26 to 40+ weeks):
Start drinking 16 oz of fluid (two 8 oz cups) 1.5 hours (90 minutes) prior to the test. Have all fluid finished 60 minutes prior to the exam. Do not void.

Carotids, Venous, Breast, Scrotum, Small Parts, Thyroids:
No preparation required

Exam Day

Eat, drink, and enjoy normal routine
Wear comfortable clothes, without metal if possible, no jewelry
Select favorite CD or cassette
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment
Review registration forms
Meet with technologist to review procedure

Upon Arrival
Our receptionist will review the consent forms with you, obtain necessary signatures, copy your medication list if you were asked to bring it with you, copy your insurance cards, and take any outside films you brought along.

Clothing
If your clothes contain any metal, like zippers or snaps, you will be asked to wear a gown or shorts during your exam. A secure dressing room will be provided for your clothing, jewelry and personal items.

Safety
The MRI exam is safe and painless. You shouldn't experience any unusual feelings or pain during your MRI scan. Some exams require the use of an injected contrast-enhancing agent. This agent does not contain iodine, and does not require special preparation.

Exam
You will lie on a special padded table that will move you into the MRI scanner at the beginning of the exam. We make every effort to ensure your comfort with cushions, blankets, and back support under your knees. During your exam, you will hear a series of soft knocking noises. These sounds are normal, and are not harmful in any way.

Talking
We will talk with you throughout the exam. We can hear your responses, so let us know how it is going. We will tell you before we begin each round of pictures so you know when to lay still. Motion will blur the images, so lie as still as you can for the very best results.

Length of the Exam
Although the actual length of your exam will depend on your physician's requests, the average exam lasts about 45 minutes.

Comfort
You may have a friend or relative accompany you into the exam room. Some patients also find medication helps them to relax. Please consult your doctor prior to exam.

Music
During your exam you can listen to anything from our collection or you can bring along your favorite CD or cassette.

Patient Information