Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging technique that produces high resolution, computerised images of the human body, sometimes in 3D. 

MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce images of internal organs. 

MRI can be used to provide excellent structural soft tissue detail. For this reason, it is often the imaging choice for a range of body areas including the Breasts. These images provide important information which will help determine your diagnosis and treatment.

What is MRI Useful for?

An MRI can be used to examine most parts of the body including:

• Internal organs
• Blood vessels
• Breast

MRI is a complementary modality to mammography and ultrasound used for further investigation of breast cancer, especially in young women, those with dense glandular breast tissue and surveillance of high-risk patients.

It is also complementary to CT and Ultrasound for assessment of organs in the abdomen such as kidneys, liver and pancreas.

MRI is playing an important role in the assessment of uterine and rectal cancers. Prior to your scan we will ask you to complete a safety questionnaire and sign a consent form. Details of any allergies, medications and your medical and surgical history must be disclosed. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding you must advise our staff.

During the MRI Procedure

A very strong and uniform magnetic field is generated by a large magnet that is cylindrically shaped. The patient lies on a padded table that slides into the central opening (bore) of the magnet, with the body area being examined in the centre of the tunnel.

An antenna is placed over the body region being examined. This device (surface coil), detects a signal from the hydrogen (protons) in the water molecules of the body.

By varying the timing of radio-pulses, the spin of the protons can be altered, and information about the different characteristics of the body tissues can be determined. This gives MRI a very good ability to examine the soft tissues of the body that are rich in water content (muscles, cartilages, nerves) that other imaging techniques may not show very well.

Contrast MRI

In some circumstances, a Contrast Injection (Gadolinium) may be used. As with any orally or injected substance, there is a minor risk that patients may suffer from a reaction to this substance. 

Reactions are rare but may include:

• Low blood pressure
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Anaphylactic reactions

Is an MRI Safe?

MRI does not use x-rays or ionising radiation at all.

MRI scans may NOT be able to be performed on patients who have a Cardiac pacemaker, a neurostimulator or aneurysm clips. Patients with other medical implants such as Cochlear implant, heart valves, stents or grafts in arteries will need to be assessed prior to having an MRI.

Some patients find the MRI scanner claustrophobic. Please advise the receptionists if you suffer from claustrophobia when making a booking. The MRI Radiographers are very experienced in managing claustrophobic patients.

Preparation for an MRI

All patients fill out a detailed MRI safety questionnaire prior to MRI scanning. This questionnaire is designed to inform the MRI Radiographer of any implants or medical conditions that would prevent the patient from being scanned safely.

In some situations where medical devices have been implanted into the body, we will need documentation about the make and model of the device to check MRI compatibility. Please discuss all medical implants you may have with the booking staff prior to your MRI appointment.

If the patient is medically unfit to fill out the safety questionnaire, a direct family member who is aware of the patient’s entire medical history may do it for them.

If a patient does not understand English, they must bring an interpreter with them.

What Does the MRI Procedure Involve?

Because a powerful magnet is used to obtain the images, no metal can be taken into the scan room. All patients will be asked to undress down to their underwear and will be given a gown to wear. Lockers are provided for valuables.

The MRI scan involves lying on a scan table either feet first or head first, depending on the body part being scanned, and in the majority of cases with arms by the side. A surface coil is sometimes placed over the body part being examined. The table slides into the scanner until the body part being examined is in the centre of the magnet. The machine is open at both ends throughout the MRI scan, and there is good airflow inside the machine.

MRI scans are very noisy; each scan produces loud clunking noises. For this reason, earplugs and/or headphones are used during the test.

The MRI Radiographer can communicate with the patient between scans and all patients are given a buzzer should they need to contact the Radiographer.

MRI scans last between 15 and 60 minutes, with most scans taking less than 30 minutes.

After the MRI scan, patients can resume their normal activities.

Making an Appointment

When making an MRI appointment, the patient will be asked to disclose if:

• They have any electronic or metal implants or devices
• They are pregnant or breastfeeding
• They have any drug or medical allergies
• They have had any recent surgery.
• There is a history of metal fragments in the eyes.

What to Bring

Please bring all previous scans relevant to the body part being examined.

After the Procedure

The MRI images are photographed on film and are either accessible via the internet or burned onto a CD. 

These are reported by an MRI specialist radiologist before being sent to your referring doctor. MRI scanning does not use radiation and is a painless procedure.

Abbreviated Breast MRI

What is Abbreviated Breast MRI?

MRI is now well established as the most sensitive imaging test available for the detection of breast cancer. 

Abbreviated Breast MRI is a short MRI scan used for screening of women at average risk of breast cancer.

Advantages of Abbreviated Breast MRI

Abbreviated Breast MRI has been shown to be equally effective as traditional full breast MRI for the detection of breast cancer, but with 

• no radiation and 
• no breast-compression required.

Who is Suitable for Abbreviated Breast MRI?

The short procedure is suitable for women with any breast density and is especially useful for women who have dense breast tissue that may limit the visibility of cancer on a mammogram.

How Long Does It Take?

Abbreviated Breast MRI takes less than 10 minutes to perform.

Siemens MAGNETOM 1.5T Aera Open Bore MRI

Our 1.5T wide bore MRI system is built with patient comfort in mind. The Open Bore design (70cm opening) helps reduce the closed in feeling of traditional MRI systems and the super-short bore (145cm) allows for many exams to be performed with your head outside of the scanner.

In addition to putting patients at greater ease, the increased bore size accommodates a diverse array of patients including larger patients. It is also more flexible for neurological and musculoskeletal patient positioning and allows patients with special requirements to be accommodated including patients with limited mobility, elderly patients, and ICU patients who depend on medical equipment accompanying them for the procedure.

The MRI room is spacious and to further enhance the patient experience, we have installed sky ceiling and wall panels for a pleasant outlook during their examination.

MAGNETOM Aera's advanced technology allows for more efficient, personalised examinations tailored to your body type and specific needs, producing high-quality image outcomes for both a less stressful MRI experience and a more confident diagnosis.

Siemens MAGNETOM 3T Verio Open Bore MRI

Our 3T MRI system also has wide bore technology for increased patient comfort and flexibility. Its MRI room is equipped with both external windows plus a sky ceiling for a pleasant outlook during their examination.

The benefits of the 3T MR imaging include its ability to scan higher image resolution for more detailed images or faster scanning if required. Imaging at the 3 Tesla higher magnetic field strength also enables a host of specialised neurological and musculoskeletal techniques such as cerebral perfusion, diffusion tensor imaging, and molecular techniques for quantitative cartilage analysis (dGEMRIC, T2 mapping).