COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Sterilization

 To Our Guilford Community

ALL GUILFORD RADIOLOGY STAFF HAVE BEEN FULLY IMMUNIZED AGAINST THE COVID-19 VIRUS.

Now more than ever, the safety of our patients, community and staff is our top priority. Our staff is fully trained in Covid-19 screening, safety precautions and sterilization technique. We remained committed to our referring providers and patients and have been open throughout the pandemic, while continuing to maintain a clean safe facility.  Trust the staff at Guilford Radiology to take care of you and your family’s medical imaging needs in a patient friendly, convenient outpatient environment for the safest, most comfortable exam possible.

Our facility is clean, Safety is our primary concern

  • Our entire office gets a complete deep cleaning nightly.
  • Exam rooms and equipment are thoroughly disinfected after each patient, from mammography paddles to the CT & MRI bores, to the exam tables, counters, and areas of patient contact.
  • We are maintaining CDC and the state of CT guidelines. All staff and patients are required to wear appropriate face masks and staff wear other required PPE.  Patients without an acceptable mask will be provided one.
 

Covid Safety Patient Screening Form

 

New patient flow in place ensures no contact with other patients

  • All paperwork can be completed prior to your exam, forms are available on our website.
  • Patients can choose to checkin in our waiting room or wait in their car.
  • If you choose to check-in in our lobby, comie in and stop at the front desk, please arrive at your requested time and enter our comfortable clean reception area with your ID, insurance card and order (if applicable) in hand.
  • If you prefer to wait in your car, when you arrive for your appointment, please call our office (203-453-5123) from your car. 
    • You will be instructed when to enter where a technologist will greet you at the opened door.
  • After your exam the technologist will escort you out of the office.
  • We have staggered patient exam times to avoid congestion and reduce any unnecessary potential exposure.
  • Please do not bring anyone with you to your exam as we are trying to reduce traffic in our office, special accommodations can be made as needed.

Guilford Radiology is committed to your health and safety. 

  • Kameron Shahid, MD -- Guilford Radiology President
  • Michael Johnson, MD -- Covid-19 Safety Officer
  • Sharynn Gendron -- Office Manager

Spine MRI Quick Reference Guide for Physicians

Cervical Spine MRI

MRI of the cervical spine is an extremely useful tool in evaluating patients with neck pain or symptoms of a pinched nerve as well as possible compression of the spinal cord. MRI can accurately assess for degenerative disc disease as well as disc herniation. The spinal cord itself will also be assessed for any abnormality. A specialized coil will be placed around your patient’s neck. 


Cervical Spine MRI done by Guilford Radiology, 2010

Thoracic Spine MRI

MRI of the thoracic spine is a useful tool in evaluating patients with mid back pain or symptoms of possible compression of the spinal cord. MRI can accurately assess for degenerative disc disease as well as disc herniation. The spinal cord itself will also be assessed for any abnormality.

Lumbar Spine MRI

MRI of the lumbar spine is an extremely useful tool in evaluating patients with low back pain or symptoms of a pinched nerve. MRI can accurately assess for degenerative disc disease as well as disc herniation.

MRI of the spine looks at the vertebrae that make up the spine, as well as the disks, spinal cord, and the spaces between the vertebrae through which the nerves pass.


MRI Lumbar Spine, done by Guilford Radiology, 2010

Patient Preparation

For the MRI exam, if claustrophobia or anxiety is a problem, the referring physician my wish to prescribe a mild sedative to be given prior to the study. No other pre-visit preparation is necessary. Patients will need to remove all jewelry, hairclips, pony-tails and bobby pins. In addition, the patient will need to remove all clothing containing metal. This would include bras with metal enclosures and jeans with metal zippers and buttons. Your patient will be provided a gown and a secure locker in which valuables can be placed.

CPT Codes:

Without Contrast: neck pain, mid-back pain, numbness or tingling of the arms or fingers, pain

With and Without Contrast: history of MS, transverse myelitis, tumors, cancer, post operative

Patient Weight Limit

Our MRI equipment has a weight limit of 440 pounds.

Ready to Order a Test for your Patient?

General Information

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods.

Contraindications

Patients with cardiac pacemakers, ICD, or neuro-stimulators CAN NOT have an MRI. Patients with pins, plates, screws and joint replacements, stents & filters can have an MRI as long as it has been 6 weeks since placement of the device. Women who are pregnant should avoid having an elective MRI. Women who are pregnant and need an MRI should be individually evaluated for risk vs. benefits and should avoid an MRI in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Risks

Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.

There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such reactions usually are mild and easily controlled by medication. If you experience allergic symptoms, a radiologist or other physician will be available for immediate assistance.

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is currently a recognized, but rare, complication of MRI believed to be caused by the injection of high doses of MRI contrast material in patients with very poor kidney function.

What Happens During the Test?

Your patient will be asked to lie down on his back on the scanning table. The table will then slide into the scanning area. During the test, the MRI will make a rapid tapping noise. Some MRI examinations may require an injection of contrast material into a vein in the arm. Your patient’s experience and comfort are of key importance. Therefore, our patients are offered earplugs or a music headset; in addition blankets are also available. Your patient should relax and remain still during the exam. Your patient should plan 60-90 minutes of total clinic time. The scan time can vary from 30-60 minutes depending on the study. Your patient may resume normal activities following the MRI.

The Results

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to the referring physician within 1 business day.

Contact us

Hours:
M-F 7:30AM to 5PM Late Wed. until 7PM
Sat. 8AM to Noon

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