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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI services have moved to new locations on our campus

Magnetic Resonance Imaging now has 3 convenient locations to serve you in Redwood City.

  • MRI Maple – new location is 910 Maple Street, Maple Building. The new registration check-in is at the Optical Sales front desk. Hours are 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, by appointment only. The phone number remains the same, 650-299-3930.
  • MRI Tower – new location is 1150 Veterans Boulevard, Tower Building. The new registration check-in is in the Radiology Department on the 1st Floor, Tower Building. Hours are 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, by appointment only. The phone number remains the same, 650-299-3930.
  • MRI Hospital – staying put – the MRI in the Hospital is still located on the 1st Floor.

Find our MRI locations on a map:

Overview of Kaiser Permanente’s MRI tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.

You may be able to have an MRI with an open machine that doesn’t enclose your entire body. But open MRI machines aren’t available everywhere. The pictures from an open MRI may not be as good as those from a standard MRI machine.