Meritus Imaging Services
Skilled Radiologists in Hagerstown
Meritus Health gives patients and their providers access to the latest diagnostic imaging tools needed to identify possible disease, injury or the effectiveness of medical treatment.
All of our physicians are board certified in radiology and our technicians are certified in their specialty area. Imaging services are available on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
MRI
For patients who want the highest quality of care, Meritus Medical Center offers the most powerful MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test available on an outpatient basis: the extra-large (70 cm) open bore 3T MRI. In the past, the 3T MRI's capabilities were only possible at academic research centers, but are now available in an outpatient setting.
MRI is a noninvasive medical test that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to take pictures of the inside of your body. The 3T MRI provides physicians with confidence in diagnosing neurological and orthopedic imaging of bone, organs, soft tissue and more. The detailed images taken during an MRI are called slices, similar to slices in a loaf of bread. These three-dimensional images help clinicians to view any problems or issues that may need to be addressed.
Advantages of the 3T MRI at Meritus Health
Although an MRI causes no pain, typical machines can cause anxiety for patients who don't like small spaces. With the new extra-large open bore, patients will have more than enough head space to feel at ease. The 3T MRI can also accommodate a wide range of patients, including children and those who weigh up to 550 pounds. It is also beneficial for patients suffering from:
- Respiratory problems
- Kyphosis
- Chronic pains
- Mobility issues
- Patients who need to have medical equipment with them during the test
MRI can show problems that are not able to be evaluated using other forms of diagnostic imaging such as x-ray, computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound. It can also provide further information about a problem that showed up on one of these other tests.
Is MRI Safe for Everyone?
If you are pregnant, have an intrauterine device, work around metal, or have had recent surgery on blood vessels, talk to you doctor first to determine the risks of this test.
MRI is not recommended for patients with:
- Implanted defibrillator
- Pacemaker
- Cochlear implant
- Artificial heart valves
- Clips used on brain aneurysms
Orthopedics & 3T MRI
Your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage provide stability and movement to your body. So, when injury or disease causes harm to your all-important musculoskeletal system, you want your physician to diagnose your problem so you can get moving again.
While X-rays only show bone, MRI scans show all tissues within the body, including bones, muscles, cartilage and fatty tissue. Unlike the 1.5T MRI, the more sophisticated 3T MRI can identify minute tears in tendons or gradation of cartilage damage.
The 3T MRI offers many advantages in orthopedic screenings, including:
- Providing more detailed images before a joint procedure
- Helping doctors paint a more accurate picture of what patients can expect post-surgery
- Improved monitoring of a patient’s response to rheumatoid arthritis medication
- Detection of small stress fractures and minor cartilage damage
If your bones, tendons, ligaments, or joints are acting up, ask your orthopedic specialist about the 3T MRI at Meritus Imaging, located on Eastern Boulevard. A physician referral is necessary for all diagnostic imaging services.
Contact Information
1110 Professional Court, Suite 201
Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone Number:
301-790-8990
