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COVID-19 Updates: Visitor Guidelines, Vaccines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.


COVID-19 Vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 5 and older. People younger than 18 must receive the Pfizer vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 211 or visit ourshot.in.gov. Several COVID-19 vaccine locations also offer walk-in appointments. View full details.

Actualizaciones de COVID-19: Políticas para visitantes, vacunas y más

Medidas de seguridad en Riley Children's Health

Estamos adoptando medidas reflexivas para garantizar que nuestros espacios sigan siendo seguros para los pacientes, los padres y los cuidadores. Vea las medidas de seguridad, la política de uso de mascarillas y las directrices de visitas.

Vacunas contra la COVID-19

La vacuna contra la COVID-19 está disponible para cualquier persona mayor de 5 años. Las personas menores de 18 años deben recibir la vacuna de Pfizer. Para programar una cita, llame al 211 o visite la página ourshot.in.gov. Varios centros de vacunación contra la COVID-19 atienden sin cita previa. Vea todos los detalles.

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Riley Children's Health

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technology used to diagnose and plan the treatment of many conditions without using radiation. MRI technology generates detailed two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the soft tissues of the body such as organs and muscles. These images make it much easier for your child's doctor to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues.

On average, a MRI scan lasts about one hour. During this time, your child will need to lie very still. MRI scanners are safe but can be loud and frightening to children. At Riley at IU Health, we provide MRI scanners with entertainment systems that allow your child to watch cartoons or movies. This helps keep him or her calm and distracted from the noise of the machine. Your child may need to be sedated for this exam for the best results.

Your child’s MRI results will be available to his or her referring physician within 48 hours. The physician will then contact you with the results and discuss further options and treatments available for your child based on the MRI results.

What to Expect

What to Expect

A MRI receptionist will call you two to three days in advance to confirm the appointment time and give you your child’s eating instructions and arrival time. If your child is being sedated for the MRI procedure, a radiology nurse will call a week before the scheduled MRI with specific eating and arrival instructions. Make sure your child follows all eating instructions.

For your child’s safety, bring a list of all your child’s medications and information about any surgical implants he or she may have. Your child should wear clothing without metal, such as clothing without zippers, buckles or snaps. We encourage children to bring their favorite DVD to watch or CD to listen to music.

On the day of your child’s MRI procedure, an anesthesiologist will discuss the sedation process with you if applicable.

The MRI technologist will perform a thorough MRI safety screening, consisting of a patient-provided form and use of a metal detector. You are welcome to accompany your child into the magnet room.

The MRI scanner contains a highly magnetic field. Anyone planning to enter the MRI scan room must first walk through a metal prescreening device. Before entering the prescreening area, we will ask you to remove any items containing metal, including:

  • Belts
  • Body piercings
  • Cell phones
  • Hair clips/pins
  • Hard-sole shoes
  • Jewelry
  • Keys
  • Pagers
  • Pens
  • Support braces
  • Suspenders
  • Tools
  • Wired undergarments with metal clasps or hooks
  • Wrist watches

Once your child is prepared for the MRI, he or she will be positioned on the MRI table by a pediatric-trained MRI technologist. The technologist will make sure your child is as comfortable as possible. The technologist will talk to your child before beginning each scan and ask him or her to remain very still during the scan to ensure high-quality images.

If your child is not being sedated for the procedure, you or another caregiver may be present for the entire MRI. Once the scanning begins, your child will be constantly monitored by the pediatric-trained MRI technologist. Your child may be instructed to hold his or her breath for some cardiac and abdominal imaging.

If your child requires sedation for the exam, he or she will need to be monitored by a radiology registered nurse until it is safe to leave the hospital. Your child may eat, drink and return to normal activities after the exam in complete.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 15 facilities offering Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) care by entering your city or zip below.

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Related Conditions & Departments

Related Conditions & Departments

Departments

  • Radiology & Imaging
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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