MRI

3T MRI

East Alabama Health and Auburn University have partnered to provide the latest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology: a 3-Tesla (3T) MRI, the most powerful unit currently cleared for clinical use with humans. The Siemens Verio open-bore 3T MRI is located in Auburn University’s 45,000-square-foot MRI Research Center. When not used by East Alabama Health , the 3T unit is for use by Auburn researchers and those from other universities.

Dr. Justin Phillpott explains, “The 3T MRI has twice the signal of the most advanced MRIs. It produces images faster and with greater clarity and detail, showing things traditional MRIs may miss – tiny cancers, small aneurysms, minuscule tendon and cartilage tears in wrists and ankles, and subtle herniated discs in the spine. These more detailed images also allow physicians to see diseases and abnormalities at the earliest stages. Detecting a disease earlier is important, because early detection not only relieves pain and anxiety, it can save lives.”

Ask your physician if the 3T might be the best option for you, or call 334-844-7MRI (7674) for more information.

Traditional MRI (1.5T)

East Alabama Health provides both closed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and breast MRI scans.

The MRI system provides detailed diagnostic pictures of the human body through the use of powerful magnetic fields. The MRI is comprised of magnets, coils and computer software that stimulate body cells, manipulate radio frequencies and turn these signals into detailed pictures to be used for diagnosis. This equipment is used to diagnose a variety of conditions, but is most commonly used to detect abnormalities within the spinal column, and tumors within the nerve or muscle tissue. MRI is also used to diagnose brain tumors and aneurysms.

For more information, call East Alabama Health Radiology department at 334-528-1155.

Outpatient Imaging Freestanding Emergency Department is an ACR Designated Prostate Cancer MRI Center

East Alabama Health's Outpatient Imaging Freestanding Emergency Department (OIFED) has been designated a Prostate Cancer MRI Center by the American College of Radiology^® (ACR^®). The ACR Prostate Cancer MRI Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that commit to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for prostate cancer. In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in the body module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its MRI imaging protocol and infrastructure.