Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Imaging Using Magnets

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your organs and structures inside the body without using radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Locations

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Center

1001 Potrero Ave.

San Francisco CA 94110

Building 5 | 1st Floor

Phone: 628-206-5021

Get Directions

Hours

Monday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Friday: 7:30am - 5:00pm

State-of-the-Art MRI Technology

We have two state-of-the-art GE Signa 1.5T, v.15.0 magnets.

Preparing for Your Visit

Eat and take your medications as usual

Unless we have given you specific instructions, eat and take your medications as usual.

Wear clothing without metal

Wear clothing that doesn’t have any metal fasteners (zippers, buttons, hooks, snaps) or metallic decorations. Leave any jewelry at home.

Remove loose metallic objects

Remove any other loose metallic objects (hairpins, keys, coins, cigarette lighters) and items with magnetic stripes (ATM/credit cards, ID/driver’s license).

Leave valuables at home

Leave your belongings with your companion or secure your things in one of our lockers.

Tell us about any metal in your body

Also, please let our receptionist or technologist know if you have any metal in your body from surgery or any accidents.

If you have claustrophobia

If you have claustrophobia (fear of being enclosed in a small space) and your doctor has given you anxiety medication for this exam, we will tell you when to take it.

Emergency patients are seen first

Because we are a trauma center, emergency patients may be seen ahead of you, and your wait may be quite long. If so, you’ll be able to reschedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an MRI?

Your doctor will order an MRI if they feel that this exam is the best way to “see” the part of the body they are concerned with. They may prefer an MRI instead of X-rays, CT, or Ultrasound.

The request will be reviewed by our staff, and your exam will be scheduled according to its urgency. We schedule appointments seven days a week.

What Should I Expect?

You will lie down on a special table that will slide you into a tunnel about 7 ft. long, and 2 ft. wide.
With the exception of lower leg exams (knee, calf, ankle, foot), you will be going in head first.
Because the machine makes loud noises (similar to a jackhammer), you will be given earplugs prior to the start of your exam.
We will also give you a call button that sounds an alarm if you need to contact the technologist during the exam. The technologist will be outside the scan room.
Most MRI exams last 30 to 90 min. It is very important to hold as still as you can during the exam.

How Do I Get My Results?

We will send the results of the MRI exam to the doctor who ordered it in approximately two days.

Because many pictures are taken from many different angles, our doctors (called radiologists) need more time to review them.

Please make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the MRI results.