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MRI

MRI, short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses a strong magnetic field and Radio Frequencies (RF) instead of X-rays to obtain images of the body. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain, spine, muskulo-skeletal system as well as the abdomen and pelvis.

Before your scan!

You will be asked to attend 30 mins prior to your scan time where you will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire. A number of surgically implanted devices such as cardiac pacemakers, some cerebral aneurysm clips, cochlear implants etc are not allowed in to the MRI due to the strong magnetic field. It is therefore very important that you supply an accurate medical history in regard to any surgical implant at the time of making your appointment and booking in.

Patients with any history of welding or metal work will require a screening X-ray of their eyes to rule out a metal foreign body.

The MRI Scan

When it is time for your scan you will be asked to change into a gown. Anything metallic or electronic will need to be removed such as jewellery, hair clips, hearing aids etc.

The MRI technician will take you into the room, position you on the table for your exam and then move you into the scanner. Due to the scanners sensitivity to movement, positioning aids will be used to assist you to stay still.

When the scan commences the scanner is quite noisy, but don’t worry this is totally normal. You will be supplied with earphones (or earplugs) to counteract this and you may bring your favourite CD or just listen to the radio to help you relax during the exam.

Most studies take 30 minutes to complete unless multiple regions are to be examined. Occasionally an injection of contrast is required to enhance the anatomy being scanned. Reactions to this are very rare!

There are no known biological effects with MRI as it does not use X-rays. However if you are pregnant or think you may be, please advise the MRI technician as research is limited in this area.

Ankle	Brain	Spine
Knee	Knee sag	Spine
Shoulder	Wrist

Please click here for preperation procedure