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DTI / Neuroquant
DTI / Neuroquant
DTI and NeuroQuant in St. Petersburg, Florida
Two types of brain scans that Saint Pete MRI offers to patients are DTI, which stands for diffusion tensor imaging, and NeuroQuant®, which is a registered software that can provide a detailed analysis of the brain. Both of these are ordered by physicians when a brain injury or a brain disorder is suspected. If you need NeuroQuant or DTI in St. Pete, continue reading to learn more about these diagnostic tests.
Why your doctor might order DTI or NeuroQuant
If your doctor suspects a brain injury, a brain disorder, or some other cause of an abnormality in the white matter of the brain, he or she might send you to Saint Pete MRI for a DTI. One of our radiologists will read the images produced by the DTI and will send the report to your doctor.
A NeuroQuant scan might be ordered to detect brain atrophy caused by Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or other conditions. It can also be used to rule out Alzheimer’s disease in individuals who have noticed memory loss and other signs that might point to a progressive brain disease. This test is performed in San Diego and the results will be analyzed by our radiologist.
Please ask your doctor why you are being referred for your brain scan. He or she will be able to give you information specific to your individual circumstances.
How DTI and NeuroQuant differ from high-field MRI
A high-field MRI produces images of your brain. If your doctor has ordered a DTI, it will be done at the same time as your MRI. The technologist will use the images created to indicate regions of interest, and these regions will be analyzed by our radiologist.
A NeuroQuant test is done after the MRI has been completed. Extra images will be taken during the MRI, and those images will be transmitted to San Diego, where the technologists there will process them through the NeuroQuant software. Our radiologist will receive the results and will conduct an analysis.
The experience itself is very similar to having a high-field MRI; as a patient, you will not notice any difference because the testing and analysis are done using the images that are being taken during the MRI.
What to expect with DTI and NeuroQuant
If you have ever had a high-field MRI, the patient experience when having DTI or NeuroQuant testing is very similar.
You will not need to do anything to prepare for your exam except to remove any jewelry, preferably leaving it at home. It is also helpful to wear comfortable clothing that does not contain metal. Depending on what you are wearing, you might be asked to change into hospital scrubs for your comfort and safety.
Please tell your technologist if you are or might be pregnant and if you have any metal in your body. For example, if you have an artificial joint, a metal pin in a bone, an implanted insulin pump, or a history of a bullet or shrapnel wound, it is important that you tell the technologist.
For the procedure, you will be positioned on a table, which will slide into the MRI machine. You will be offered a blanket if you are cold. It is important that you stay still so the images will be clear and in focus. You will hear banging and tapping sounds; some of these might be loud. This is normal and part of the imaging process. You will be able to communicate with the technologist if you need to, and he or she will be able to let you know if you need to change positions or follow any other instructions.
The test itself can take 30 to 45 minutes. After it is over, you will be able to resume your normal activities. If you have taken a sedative, you will need someone else to drive you home.
Your doctor will receive the results of your NeuroQuant or DTI within two business days.
Saint Pete MRI offers services to uninsured patients
Saint Pete MRI participates with several different insurance companies. We also offer services to uninsured patients. Having your NeuroQuant or DTI test done at Saint Pete MRI instead of at a hospital will reduce your out-of-pocket costs in most cases. Please contact us to learn more about our policies and fees.
Common patient concerns about brain scans in St. Pete
- Will I be exposed to radiation during my MRI? No, you will not be exposed to any radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging uses sound waves and a strong magnetic field to create the images. These waves do not cause any effect on the body.
- Will I need a sedative for this procedure? Many patients do not require a sedative for a DTI or NeuroQuant test. If you have claustrophobia or your doctor recommends a sedative, however, you should take it before your appointment and have a responsible adult drive you to and from the office.
- Will I have contrast dye for my DTI or NeuroQuant test? Contrast dye is not usually used for DTI or NeuroQuant exams, but in some cases, a doctor will request that we use it. Contrast dye can enhance certain images in specific cases. If your doctor would like the dye used, it will be injected prior to your MRI. Please talk to your doctor or call us if you have questions about the dye. If you do have contrast dye, you will still be able to resume your normal activities after your test.
Please contact Saint Pete MRI to schedule your appointment for DTI or NeuroQuant or if you have further questions about this procedure.