Children’s Minnesota recently installed a new MRI scanner at our Minnetonka campus, an outpatient facility and imaging center. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body without using radiation. This new scanner is designed to help get images while making the experience easier for kids and families.
This isn’t just new equipment; it’s part of the Children’s Minnesota commitment to bring high-quality, kid-focused care closer to home.
This MRI is a “3T” MRI. The “T” stands for Tesla, which is a way to describe the strength of the magnet. A stronger magnet can capture sharper images and, in many cases, complete the scan more quickly. Here’s what families may notice with the new 3T MRI in Minnetonka:
- Clearer images: Detailed pictures can help care teams better understand what’s going on and plan the next steps.
- Less time in the scanner: Faster scan times can mean a shorter appointment and less time holding still.
- More convenient access: Families who visit the Children’s Minnesota Minnetonka specialty or primary care clinics can get imaging onsite, which may reduce the need to travel to another location for a scan.
Medical imaging services made just for kids
Getting an MRI can feel big and unfamiliar, especially for kids. The Children’s Minnesota medical imaging team is specially trained to work with children, and our spaces are designed to help your child feel safe and supported. To make the experience more kid-friendly, we offer:
- A sensory-friendly environment: Color-changing lights create a calming space.
- Entertainment options: Patients can listen to music or watch a movie during the scan (when available).
- Family support: For many scans that don’t require sedation, a parent or guardian can stay in the room with their child after completing a standard safety screening.
To learn more about medical imaging at Children’s Minnesota, visit our website or ask your care team.
