Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Adult.
Fact Sheets | Diagnostic Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) – Adult.
Introduction
MRI Does Not Use RadiationA Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan uses a powerful magnet and radiowaves to produce superbly detailed views of the human body, particularly joints and soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord and muscles.
Unlike other imaging tests, MRI does not use radiation. Though some discomfort may occur from having to lay still, MRI is otherwise a painless procedure and typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to perform.
Your Safety & Health.
At Melbourne Radiology Clinic, we care about your safety and your health, and aim to ensure the most appropriate imaging protocol is selected so your scans are performed safely and targeted to your clinical needs.
Preparation
No preparation is necessary for an MRI scan. You can eat and drink normally.
Though some discomfort may occur from having to lay still, MRI is otherwise a painless procedure.
As a strong magnet is used, all metallic devices MUST be removed before entering the MRI room.
Wide Bore MRI.
Siemens Wide-Bore MRI
16% Wider Than Conventional MRI
Patient Comfort – Wide Bore MRI.
Melbourne Radiology Clinic’s MRI scanner is the latest Siemens Espree unit which has a wide bore that is 16% wider than conventional MRI units. Patients may experience less anxiety when entering the enclosed space of the MRI scanner at Melbourne Radiology Clinic
Our Wide-Bore MRI scanner sets the standard for patient comfort. This means that those patients who suffer from claustrophobia or have a large build can be scanned in comfort. Patients having a MRI of their lumbar spine or body areas below such as knees, ankles or feet can enter the scanner feet first ensuring maximum comfort for the patient.
The MRI scan occurs in an enclosed space, so if you have problems with this and may experience claustrophobia or anxiety, please inform us in advance. We can offer a light sedative that may relax you, however, you will require a responsible adult to drive you home and you must refrain from any significant activity for the remainder of the day. In particular, you should not drive a car or any other machinery, nor make important decisions, such as signing legal documents.
Female Patients
- Female patients are requested not to wear eye make-up for brain scans as this can affect image quality.
- Please be advised that the latest research and guidelines for pregnant or possibly pregnant women are that MRI is safe at all stages of pregnancy. Therefore, there are NO restrictions in performing MRI scans in pregnancy.
Wide Bore MRI.
Siemens Wide-Bore MRI
16% Wider Than Conventional MRI
What To Expect During The MRI Scan.
Once the scan is under way as you will hear a loud vibrating or knocking sound. Noise cancelling headphones are provided for you to use and you may wish to listen to music or radio of your choice during the scan.
It is very important that you keep your body extremely still during the scan. Movement during a scan will result in lower quality or blurred images, similar to the blurring effect that occurs when taking a photograph of a moving object
Usually four or five different types of MRI scans called sequences are taken with each one lasting about 2–8 minutes. Overall, you will be in the scanner for about 20 minutes. A sequence or sequences may need to be repeated if there is bluring of the images due to excessive movement.
You will be in constant communication with the technician who conducts the MRI. Their role is to ensure that you are comfortable and kept up-to-date with the progress of your scans. As an additional safety mechanism, you will be provided with a buzzer to hold during the scan. Press this at anytime should you feel exceedingly uncomfortable or anxious to gain the attention of the MRI technician. The scan at this point will be stopped and you will be immediately attended to by our staff.
MRI Contrast
- Some patients undergoing an MRI scan may require an injection of an intravenous (IV) dye (contrast) known as Gadolinium, which is a paramagnetic substance that is visible on MRI scans. If contrast is required, this will be discussed with you by our MRI Technician and /or Radiologist on the day of your appointment.
[before-after is_wiggle=”true” color=”#00adef” label_one=”Pre Contrast” label_two=”Post Contrast” label_position=”two”]
[/before-after]
IMAGES: A. Pre and B. Post intravenous contrast enhancement of the brain demonstrate irregular peripheral enhancement (uptake) of the contrast by an extensive brain tumour, known as a large “butterfly” glioma of the corpus callosum
- Further Information: MRI Patient Safety & Health – MRI Contrast →
Results &
Follow-Up
One of Melbourne Radiology Clinic’s specialist radiologists, a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images for the purposes of providing a diagnosis, will then review the images and provide a formal written report. If medically urgent, or you have an appointment immediately after the scan to be seen by your doctor or health care provider, Melbourne Radiology Clinic will have your results ready without delay. Otherwise, the report will be received by your doctor or health care provider within the next 24 hours.
Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.
Your referring doctor or health care provider is the most appropriate person to explain to you the results of the scans and for this reason, we do not release the results directly to you.