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ECH  >  Departments & Programs  >  Radiology Department  >  Mobile MRI Unit

Mobile MRI Unit

New Mobile MRI Unit

The University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH)’s Radiology Department combines excellence in care with high-quality medical imaging technology. We use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to aid doctors in diagnosing and treating many different types of medical conditions. Learn more about MRI and our Mobile MRI Services below.

New Mobile MRI Services in Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga

The Radiology Department at ECH is proud to offer Mobile MRI services. A mobile MRI unit works like a traditional MRI machine but is stationed inside a moveable trailer, enabling us to transport the machine and offer MRI services to more patients in the region. Our Mobile MRI unit is currently shared between our Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga campuses.

Conditions We Treat

MRI is used to view detailed images of a certain part of the body. An MRI might be ordered by a provider in order to better understand a range of conditions affecting the organs, soft tissues, and bones, such as: 

  • Sports injuries 
  • Heart and lung diseases
  • Tumors
  • Spinal conditions
  • Head and neck conditions, including brain, ears, and eyes
  • Digestive organ conditions
  • Pelvic conditions

Learn More About MRI

MRI is a non-invasive radiology imaging exam that uses a powerful magnet, pulsed radio frequency waves, and specialized computer software to produce detailed images of internal organs, soft tissues, and bone. There is no radiation used to produce an MRI image.

MRIs are completely safe and painless and can be used for most patients. Because an MRI is powered by magnets, some patients with metal inside their bodies may not qualify for an MRI. Your provider may suggest a different type of scan if you are pregnant or have any of the following metal or electrical devices in your body: 

  • Pacemaker
  • Metallic implants or scrap metal
  • Certain prosthetic heart valves

Depending on the part of the body being scanned, you may be asked not to eat beforehand. Before starting the scan, the MRI technician may ask you additional screening questions. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and wearable metal objects. The time of the scan varies but may take 45 minutes to an hour per body part. 

Support & Resources

To make an appointment with our MRI Services at Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga, please call (518) 873-3036.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s an MRI?
MRIs or Magnetic Resonance Images let doctors see inside your body to identify a wide variety of possible medical
conditions—all without exposure to X-rays. Instead, an MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and special coils to detect
electrical signals from your body. A computer then processes this information to create detailed images our doctors can use
to fnd out what’s wrong with you or a family member.

Is there any risk?
MRIs use no harmful radiation and there are no known health side effects. MRI studies are very low-risk procedures for
most patients.

How do I prepare for an MRI exam?
For many MRI exams, no special preparation is needed. For some, you may need to fast for 4-12 hours prior to the exam.
Others require you to swallow a fluid, or to have an injection, that helps show what’s going on inside your body. Guidelines
vary with the specific exam and also with the facility. You will be asked to remove all metal (earrings, watches, bobby pins,
etc.) and credit cards. You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam or wear loose-ftting clothing with no metal
fasteners, zippers, or buttons.

How long will the exam take?
We can perform routine exams of the brain, spine, knee, ankle, and liver quickly and easily. More complex vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal studies can last from 20 to 40 minutes. You should allow extra time in case the exam lasts longer than expected.

Does the scanner make a lot of noise?
The magnet makes a slight rapping sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. Your MRI
technologist will provide you with hearing protection, but you can still hear the technologist if he or she speaks to you during
the exam.

Will I have to hold still the whole time?
We’ll get the highest quality results if you hold still during the exam. The technologists will guide you and let you know when
you can move between scans.

Will I be alone?
You’ll be in contact with one of our technologists at all times. Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to
talk to him/her by intercom. 
How do I schedule an appointment?
In most cases, your doctor can do that for you. If you have questions about getting an MRI at ECH, please call (518) 873-3036.
 

For Medical Professionals

To order an MRI for a patient, please call (518) 873-3036

  • Press 1 to make an appointment
  • Press 2 to request image transerfer

Hours

Ticonderoga – Mondays starting at 9:00 AM

Elizabethtown – Tuesday through Friday starting at 8:00 AM with some evening hours available on Thursdays