What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides detailed images of internal organs, bone, and soft tissues. The scanner uses low energy radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed, 3-dimensional images. No radiation is involved.

 

Understanding your MRI scan

Your doctor may request an MRI scan to diagnose a disease or injury or to monitor whether any treatment you are undertaking is working. It is especially useful for visualising the brain, heart, blood vessels, bones and joints, and other organs and soft tissues.

 

Before your MRI scan:

  • No preparation is required for most MRI examinations. Please eat and drink as normal and continue to take all your regular medications unless we ask you otherwise.
  • If your scan does require some preparation, such as fasting, our booking specialists will let you know before the day of your scan.

 

On the day of your MRI scan:

  • Check in with reception upon arrival.
  • You will be given a gown to change into and asked to remove most of your clothing (including underwire bras). 
  • You will be asked to remove all your accessories including glasses, watches, jewellery, hearing aids and hair clips.
  • If you have claustrophobia, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. You may need to get an oral sedative prescribed by your GP. If you decide you need a sedative you should not take it before you arrive as we need you to sign your consent forms before taking it. 

 

During your scan:

  • Our MRI scanners are large and open at both ends, often described as a short tunnel.
  • You will be moved into the scanner head first or feet first, depending on the area being scanned.
  • It’s important to keep still to obtain clear images.
  • Earplugs and headphones will be provided to protect your hearing and allow communication.
  • You can choose to listen to your favourite music or radio station during the scan.
  • A call button will be provided to communicate with the staff if needed.
  • There is cool air flowing inside the scanner for your comfort.
  • Scans typically take 30 minutes but can range from 10 minutes to an hour. Your Magnetic Imaging Technologist will let you know the expected duration before the scan begins.
  • Sometimes a contrast agent (dye) is used to ‘highlight’ certain areas being scanned better. This will be injected into a vein in your arm if necessary.

 

After your scan:

  • In most cases, you can resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
  • If you had sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home and take it easy for the rest of the day. Taking a taxi or Uber is not recommended if you have been sedated.
  • Avoid strenuous activity if you had an arthrogram injection.
  • The images will be interpreted by a radiologist (doctor), and the results will be sent to your doctor. 

Frequently asked questions

MRI is extremely safe as it does not use x-rays or radiation.

While MRI is very safe, it may not be appropriate for people with certain implants, medical devices, or if you have been in an accident where metal may have been left in your body.
While you’ll probably still be able to have the scan, it’s important to let us and your referring doctor know if you have any of the following:

  • Cardiac stents
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Heart valves
  • A pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
  • Metal in your brain or head region
  • Cochlear or Stapedectomy implants
  • Insulin pump or glucose monitor for diabetics
  • A neurostimulator or pain medication pump
  • Metal fragments or filings in your eye
  • Metal fragments or shrapnel injuries to any part of your body
  • Metal joint replacements
  • Any other metallic implants or electronic devices in your body

Our MRI scanners are designed to be more comfortable than those you may have experienced in the past, with wider openings, better lighting and two-way communication.

If you have trouble in enclosed spaces you should discuss this with us before your appointment and we can talk about ways to overcome your anxiety. This may include techniques you can use, or we may suggest getting a sedative prescribed by your GP.

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two support people with you to your scan.  If you require more than two, please contact us so we can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. 

If your support person needs to enter the MRI room with you, they must complete an MRI safety check first. Our team will let you know whether this is safe and appropriate for your scan.  

Please note: for some examinations, a support person may not be able to enter the scan room for safety, privacy, or clinical reasons. Our team will talk you through this if it applies to your appointment. 

If you need to bring children, please make sure another responsible adult comes with you to supervise them throughout your appointment.  Our team need to focus on your care and cannot supervise children.  

If arranging childcare is difficult, please contact us before your appointment. We will do our best to find an option that works for you, so childcare does not prevent you from receiving care.

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