What is an MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scans use a strong magnetic field and radio-waves to create high resolution images of selected anatomy and any relevant pathology or injury present with exquisite and precise detail. This technology does not use any ionising radiation (x-rays) and is considered to be very safe to patients, especially those requiring multiple follow up studies. The Qscan MRI scanners use the latest available state the art technology to produce world class MR imaging.
The MRI machine appears similar to a large donut in shape with a short tunnel through the centre. You will lie down on a table and a “coil” which is used like an antenna to receive the signal from your body is placed around the region of interest. This region will be moved to the centre of the magnetic field for the scan. You will be asked to remain as still as possible in the magnet to achieve maximum quality in the images produced.
The noise produced by MRI scanners is very loud, so hearing protection is provided as well as a sophisticated audiovisual system, using projection of a TV screen and sound, for added comfort. We have all free channels as well as some Foxtel channels. Visualisation of this system may sometimes depend on the patient position relevant to the region being scanned. The TV system is especially useful for patients who are required enter the scanner head first as it is very effective in providing an open environmental feel. An emergency buzzer/alarm is also provided during the scan to alert the Radiographer if you need any assistance.
As MRI uses a large magnetic field, this is considered to be safe for patients in general; however patients who have metal implants may be at risk of either damaging the implant or themselves. At the time of booking and on arrival, you will be asked to complete safety questions to ensure you are safe to enter the scan room. Many metal implants have been tested to be safe to enter the room, however some are very dangerous (eg pace makers) and the questionnaire will help determine your safety. This is a critical part of your preparation for any MRI scan. Please be patient in answering these questions as your safety is paramount at Qscan.
Metal objects such as watches, keys, coins and jewellery cannot be taken into the MRI room. This is because the powerful magnet can cause these objects to become safety hazards and or be permanently damaged as well as affect the quality of your scan. The MRI will erase any cards with magnetic strips, such as your bank or credit cards, and damage most electronic/mechanical devices such as phones, watches etc. Jewellery made of conductive materials is at risk of heating. If jewellery cannot be removed (eg rings), some precautions can be taken, however where as little as possible on arrival. If possible, wear clothes without metal studs, clips etc... You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes if required.
In most cases there is no other special preparation for an MRI scan. For some specific scan applications, you may be asked to follow special instructions eg. restrict food and drink for 4-6 hours before your scan. If required, this will be advised at the time of booking by the Qscan Radiology Clinics staff.
On arrival there will be approximately 15mins of preparation time, particularly involving safety questions and confirming your personal and medical details. Most simple MRI scans take about 15-30 minutes per region to be completed.
There are no known effects from having a MRI scan. It is possible to go about your normal activities straight after your scan. If you have received medication such as sedation medication, Qscan staff may need to monitor you for a short time after the scan and you will need someone to drive you home afterwards.
MRI itself has no known harmful effects, but is not recommended during pregnancy unless under special circumstances. Contrast injections are not advised during pregnancy/breast feeding unless specifically required. These potential risks will be discussed if required.
As outlined above, you will be asked a number of important safety questions by the Qscan MRI team before your scan. Cardiac Pacemakers, some types of surgical clips in the brain (especially older type aneurysm clips), some artificial heart valves, bionic ears or magnetically activated pumps for chemotherapy or pain relief and some other metallic implants may malfunction in the MRI and it is not possible to have an MRI if you have any of these devices.
For some MRI scans it will be necessary to have a contrast liquid injected into your vein which will help show the area of interest more clearly and help the radiologist to see how this part of the body is working. You should be made aware of this if required at the time of booking. Sometimes this injection isn’t an obvious requirement at the time of booking and may be quoted as an option if the Radiologist feels it is needed in their diagnosis at the time of the scan.
If a contrast injection is required, it is important to tell your doctor and Qscan staff if you have diabetes or kidney problems before your scan, as contrast may temporarily increase the load to kidney function whilst being excreted from you body. As with all drugs, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction to MRI contrast. Even though these are extremely rare, they may range from a rash to facial swelling or breathing difficulties. Please let your doctor and Qscan staff know if you have had any previous allergic reactions.
The person who operates the scanning equipment is the Radiographer. The person who views the MR images and interprets them is a specialist doctor - a Radiologist. The Qscan radiologist provides a written report to your referring doctor.
The cost to you for an MRI scan depends on a number of factors.
When booking an appointment at Qscan you should ask about any costs to you.
We currently have MRI scanners available at our Windsor and Annerley sites Monday through to Saturday. Our hours of service at these sites are from 7:00am – 10pm Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-6pm Fridays and 8:00am-4pm Saturdays. We also have a Saturday service at The Mater Adults Hospital. Parking is free at all sites. This includes Mater parking services.
You will need to contact Qscan Radiology Clinics and make an appointment for your MRI (link here to online appointments). This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about your MRI scan or how to prepare and advise the practice if you have any special needs.
After the scan, there are multiple options in waiting for films/CDs and/or Radiologist reports. This will depend on when you are next seeing your referring Doctor/Practitioner. Patients can take imaging with them within a relevantly short time (~15-20 minutes) and have the report faxed/emailed to their referrer or come back after it has been reported at a later time to collect both. All scans in hours are reported on the same day. After hours scans will routinely be reported the next morning. In urgent circumstances, please discuss these options at the time of booking to ensure we can provide immediate service to minimise the time required to get our information to your referring Doctor/Practitioner. In some cases, the reporting Radiologist may require further imaging. We will contact you in these circumstances.
MRI scans are digitally recorded for 5 years.
If you would like to know more about Qscan’s world class medical imaging services and MRI scans, please contact the helpful staff at Qscan Radiology Clinics directly on 07 3357 0333.