Open MRI Clinic in Culver City, Los Angeles CA

Open MRIs are a newer design of an MRI that is more open compared to traditional MRI machines, often being used for patients who are particularly sensitive to being in enclosed spaces, such as those with claustrophobia, or who have increased difficulty lying still for the required amount of time. MRIs are frequently used to provide healthcare professionals with detailed photos of specific internal structures of the body, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Many patients will feel less anxious or claustrophobic when using an open MRI machine, and they are also an effective alternative option for those who have physical limitations or discomfort that prevents them from being able to lay flat on their back. Open MRIs are a more comfortable and accessible diagnostic tool for many patients. 

The image quality and accuracy of diagnostics provided by an open MRI can be very comparable to a closed MRI, making the two options equally effective. Closed MRI machines can often provide a stronger magnetic field with potentially higher resolution images, but there have been significant improvements made to open MRI machines that continue to be developed to ensure that the technology provides high-quality images through both options. 

Since both open and closed MRIs yield accurate imaging and provide medical professionals with a good visual of the internal structures, the decision of which type of MRI machine is used depends on other factors, such as any particular needs of the patient, both in their comfort and what types of images are needed, as well as the medical condition(s) of the patient. It will be up to the healthcare provider to consider the specific needs of the patient and the processes involved with either type of MRI to determine which option will be best suited for each case. 

Several factors influence how long an open MRI will take, with the average timeline being anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The influencing factors include the area of the body being scanned, the complexity of the scan that is required, as well as the ability of the patient to remain as still as necessary during the scan.

When consulting with your healthcare provider before starting the process to have an open MRI scan, they will provide you with a more accurate estimate for the timeline along with any other required instructions or requirements to allow the scan to be as efficient and accurate as possible. There is no real difference in how long an open MRI takes when compared to a closed MRI, as the timeline is so dependent on the other influencing factors, with more complex types of scans needed often being the cases that take a bit longer. If your closed MRI scan is taking a while due to a patient’s inability to stay still, it may be recommended that a patient receive an open MRI instead to help speed up the process. 

When preparing for any type of diagnostic imaging process, your healthcare provider will walk you through the process while ensuring that you have all the necessary instructions and recommendations to be well-prepared. One of the most important instructions that you will need to be aware of is that there should be no metal on your person for the imaging process, as it can interfere with the magnetic field that is used to create the image. This includes any metal in your clothing or jewelry, as well as if you have any metal devices or implants in your body, which should be mentioned to your healthcare provider beforehand so that they can provide you with specific instructions to ensure that the imaging process remains both safe and effective for you. 

Depending on the type of scan that you are receiving, further instructions that are specific to your case will be provided, such as if you need to avoid eating or drinking certain things, particularly in the case where a contrast dye is being used. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 11600 Washington Pl Suite 104A, Culver City, CA 90066. We serve patients from Culver City Los Angeles CA, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills CA, Marina del Rey CA, Venice CA, Santa Monica CA, and surrounding areas.