What is MRI?
MRI is an abbreviation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a description of the technology behind your MRI scan.
A computer generates detailed images of the body using strong magnetic fields, radio waves and magnetic field gradients using signals sent to and from your body during the scan.
This means that no x-ray radiation is used, making MRI a scan that is considered safe for most patients.
An MRI scan is painless but can be noisy. You will be provided earphones for hearing protection.
The strength of the magnet in a scanner is measured in Tesla (T) and ranges between 0.5T and 3T. The technology allows for very detailed imaging and is helpful even in the early diagnosis of illnesses and diseases.
An MRI scan examination does not replace other imaging modalities. It is used to complement other imaging modalities, such as CT scans, plain x-rays, ultrasound, bone densitometry and angiography.
Is MRI and MRA the same?
MRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography and is focused on the blood vessels to detect clots, plaque and aneurysms affecting the blood vessels in the body.
MRA often requires an injection of contrast (dye) but can also be done without it, depending on your symptoms and previous medical history.
The dye is a clear, liquid solution injected through a soft cannula and eliminated through the kidneys.
Read more here about Contast (dye)
Benefits of MRI
- No radiation exposure
- Detailed images from multiple angles
- Painless for the patient
- No documented harmful effects on the body
MRI is a reliable diagnostic procedure where your images are reconstructed in multiple planes and reported on by a radiologist specialising in MRI imaging.
When do you need an MRI scan?
Read more about What is MRI used for?
What body part can you have an MRI on?
Most body parts can be scanned with excellent detail. An MRI scan is painless and easy for the patient.
Read more about different types of scans here
Types of MRI scanners
The scanner itself can look a little different from clinic to clinic, where you might come across a unit looking like a tunnel open on both ends (this is called “closed MRI Machine”) or as a table with the magnets located above and below the patient table (“Open MRI Machine”).
Read more about Types of MRI scanners
MRI in pregnancy
MRI scans are considered safe during the second and third trimester of pregnancy as no ionising radiation is used. The scan is used to detect and evaluate congenital abnormalities in unborn babies (foetuses) and is targeted at the baby’s brain, spine or the body. Usually the pregnant woman will have a Ultrasound scan or genetic testing coming back indicative of complications, and in conjunction with the referring doctor and a suitable MRI centre an MRI scan of the baby is booked.
MRI has been used to detect abnormalities in pregnant women for many years and the potential effects of the scans during pregnancy have been investigated many times.
An MRI scan is not recommended in the first trimester due to the potential effect of the strong magnet on the rapidly developing foetus and foetal MRI scans are conducted usually in the second or third trimester.
Breastfeeding and MRI
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated for an MRI scan. Sometimes contrast (dye) is needed for the scan, however no withholding of breastfeeding after MRI contrast administration is generally needed.
If you are concerned, you can call your MRI provider or let your radiographer know when you have your scan.
What are some common indications (symptoms or concerns) for an MRI?
Your referring GP or Specialist might have given you a copy of your referral for an MRI scan. Sometimes this is done electronically, where your doctor will send through the referral directly to the MRI clinic.
This referral will contain your personal details, the clinical indications for the MRI scan and perhaps a short summary of your medical history if this is relevant. Clinical indications are the symptoms you’re experiencing, perhaps reports of other scans and/or blood test reports. These details are what tells the MRI provider how to tailor your scan to best answer the questions your doctor has.
Before your scan, the MRI clinic will need to ensure that all the details on the form are correct and that you are booked in for the right type of scan. Some of the details on the form are simply for billing purposes afterwards
These are some common signs and descriptions used on the forms
- Headache
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Pain (localised or systemic)
- Cerebral occurrence (seizure or other event related to the brain function)
- Metastasis
- Injury (acute or subacute)
- Spine or joint problems (both acute and chronic)
If you are unsure of what your doctor has requested and if that is the right scan for you, let your doctor know or contact MRI MAP at Contact us.
Types of MRI/MRA scans
There are two types of MRI/MRA scans, one with contrast medium (dye) and one without.
Read more about Contrast (dye)
Who does my scan?
When arriving at the clinic, you will be met by the reception staff where you will confirm your appointment and receive initial information.
The scan will be performed by a radiographer trained in MRI techniques. Radiographers work closely with the reporting radiologists and your referral has been assessed by the radiologist before your appointment time.
The radiologist has then decided on the best scan technique for you and relayed that to the radiographer working in the MRI room.
What does an MRI procedure look like?
Most MRI scans are performed with the patient on their back (supine) and take usually between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the area(s) being examined and if you will need contrast (dye).
Some scans, such as MRI Breast are done with the patient face down (prone).
If you have trouble laying on your back, please let the radiographer know and they will help you get comfortable.
Do I get the pictures to take with me?
Most referring doctors have access to the images digitally in their offices and rarely require you to bring films with you.
If you are unsure or would like a copy of the study, please contact your doctor’s office or your MRI clinic.
How do I get the results?
The study is thoroughly reviewed by a specially trained radiologist and the results are sent to your referring doctor.
Please allow 48 hours for the reports to get to your doctor’s office.
The clinics are unable to release results directly to the patients and you can obtain a copy of them from your referring doctor.
When is an MRI scan not suitable?
MRI scans are considered safe in most cases. But the strong magnet in the machine means that it is not automatically recommended for everyone. Always contact your MRI provider or talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
Before your scan, you will fill in a questionnaire to ensure the scan is safe for you. You will find information about these questions below.
Do you have any of the following?
- Pacemaker, Prosthetic Heart Valves, Insulin Pumps, Implanted Hearing Aids, Permanent Contraceptive Device or any other implanted material in your head or body.
- A foreign body such as metal shards, pellets or bullets. If you are unsure, you might need an x-ray before your MRI scan
- Joint replacements, pins, screws or plates anywhere in your body
- Spinal fusions, disc replacements, surgical clips (often used in brain surgery or abdominal surgery), surgical mesh or staples
- Stents, coils or grafts in your blood vessels
- Shunt (in your head or body)
- Breast implants, expanders, tubal ligation clips or implants anywhere else in your body
- Body Piercing Jewellery, tattoos or permanent makeup
- Dental fillings or bridges
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Recent surgery
- Claustrophobia
- Kidney Disease
Body piercings (incl. earrings) are removed prior to the scan or taped into place. If they are located in the area that is being scanned, they need to be removed as the jewellery will interfere with the images.
Permanent makeup or tattoos have sometimes caused a warm sensation when inside the MRI machine. If this happens, let the radiographer know immediately.
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
MRI scans are considered safe during the second and third trimester of pregnancy as no ionising radiation is used. MRI has been used to detect abnormalities in pregnant women for many years and the potential effects of the scans during pregnancy have been investigated many times.
MRI scans are not recommended in the first trimester due to the potential effect of the strong magnet on the rapidly developing foetus.
Sometimes contrast (dye) is used during the scan to better see some organs or pathologies. It is very rare that dye is used on a pregnant woman.
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated for an MRI scan. No withholding of breastfeeding after MRI contrast administration is generally needed. If you are concerned, you can call your MRI provider or let your radiographer know when you have your scan.
Do you have renal insufficiency (poor kidney function)?
This might disqualify you from having a contrast (dye) enhanced MRI scan. Individual assessment is necessary and your doctor might refer you for blood tests before your scan. Most MRI scans are done without contrast.
Are you claustrophobic (afraid of tight spaces)?
This is very common and something the MRI staff are used to. Most MRI scanners are shaped like a tube that is open at both ends and depending on the body part being scanned you will go in head or feet first.
Most people can still have their scans done, supported by the staff. Some patients want medication to help relax them, which is something your referring doctor can give you.
On occasion, the scan is not possible because of severe claustrophobia. In those cases, scan in an open MRI could be an option. This is not available everywhere and your doctor can help you find one.
Sometimes a scan under general anaesthesia might be an option. This would take more planning and as anaesthesia is involved, individual assessment is required.
How to make your booking
Online or writing us at info@mrimap.com.
What information do we need to make your booking?
To ensure accurate, timely appointment we need to know your
- Name (first name and last name)
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Email address
- Residential address
Part of our booking process is a safety questionnaire that details your medical history, weight and any allergies.
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