The MRI machine looks like a large tube with a short tunnel through the centre- the tunnel is usually about 1.6m long. You will be asked to lie down on a table which slides into the opening. You will be monitored from our console room and you can talk to the radiographer by microphone between scans. There is also an emergency buzzer available if you need any assistance during your scan. 

The procedure is painless. An antenna, which receives image signals from your body, will be placed around the region of interest. This region will be moved to the centre of the MRI scanner for the duration of the scan, but the rest of your body will be outside the machine. You will be provided with ear protection prior to the commencement of the scan, as the machine generates a loud rhythmic array of sounds, which can vary from 2-4 minutes at a time. 

It is important that you feel comfortable, calm, and relaxed, as you will be asked to remain as still as possible any time the machine is making a noise. Small movements are fine in the silences/gaps in between scans.  

MRI scans for most regions of the body should take up to 25 minutes once everything is prepared and set up. If you require scans for multiple regions of your body, you will be repositioned with the antenna around the new region of interest before the scanning process restarts. 

The magnet that powers the MRI machine is extremely powerful and has the potential to cause you serious damage if you have certain metallic/electronic devices in or on your body. MRI machines can pull metal objects with great force, or cause them to heat up. At the time of booking and on arrival, you must complete a safety questionnaire. This is to ensure your safety, as patients who have certain metal implants may be at risk of either damage to their implant or themselves.  

Many metal implants have been tested and are safe to enter the room, but others, like pacemakers, can be very dangerous. 

The magnet will also erase any cards with magnetic strips such as bank or credit cards, and damage most electronic and mechanical devices, including phones and watches. Jewellery made of conductive materials is at risk of heating; some precautions can be taken if you cannot remove your jewellery. However, please try to remove all jewellery and body piercings prior to your scan. 

Please also refrain from wearing mascara or eye makeup, as metallic components in these products can interfere with your scan. If your clothing has any metal, including zips, bra wires or studs, you may be asked to change into a gown for your safety. 

The safety questionnaire forms a critical part of preparations for your MRI scan, and you will be asked the same questions at multiple stages during your booking to make sure you are safe to enter the room. Please be patient in answering these questions, as your safety is paramount. 

If you have ever had an injury to your eyes involving metal, please inform our staff. You may need to have an X-ray of your eyes to ensure no residual metal fragments are present. 

Please let a staff member know if you are claustrophobic. Oral sedation can also be arranged. In most cases, no other special preparation is required for an MRI scan. You may have to follow special instructions for specific scans; if this is the case, a staff member will let you know at the time of booking. 

You will be given a full explanation of the procedure by an MRI radiographer. Please feel free to ask questions if you have any concerns. 

MRI scans do not use ionising radiation and are considered very safe, especially if you need multiple scans. MRI itself has no known harmful effects but is not recommended during pregnancy unless under special circumstances. 

Sometimes, you may receive an injection of a contrast material called gadolinium to better assess blood flow to the region of interest. As with anything that is injected into the body, there is an extremely small risk of an allergic reaction to this agent. Please let a Qscan staff member know if you have had any previous reactions to MRI contrast. 

Contrast injections are not advised during pregnancy unless specifically required. The potential risks will be discussed on the day if necessary. 

An MRI scan generally does not require any specific after care. After your scan, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner. 

The cost of your MRI scan depends on several factors, including the type of scan that your doctor has requested, how many regions of the body require imaging, the duration of the scan(s), and the specialty of your referring doctor. 

Our customer service team will be able to advise you of all costs involved with your MRI scan including any out-of-pocket costs. 

Breast MRI:

A MRI of the breast, or breast MRI, produces images of the inside of the breast. Breast MRIs can be used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound to screen for breast cancer in people with a high risk of breast cancers and those with a family history of breast cancer. It may also be used after a breast biopsy shows cancer or to detect leaks or tears in breast implants. 

Prostate MRI:

Multiparametric MRI or mpMRI, can be used to help find prostate cancer. Your referring practitioner may recommend MRI to find out if a biopsy is required, or to help guide the biopsy needle to a particular area of the prostate. MpMRI can also be used to help determine if the suspected cancer is located just within the prostate or if it has spread. MRI is very sensitive to air/gas, so you may be asked to self-insert some microlax enema medication into the rectum (a laxative agent available over the counter at most pharmacies) upon arrival to get rid of this prior to your scan. The procedure is painless and ensures we are able to get the clearest pictures of your prostate. 

Cardiac MRI:

Cardiac MRI scans can be used to help diagnose or monitor cardiac disease. They can produce images used to evaluate the heart’s anatomy and function, heart valves, blood flow through major vessels and the structures surrounding the heart. Cardiac MRI allows your referring practitioner to create a treatment plan for cardiovascular disorders and to monitor the progression of these disorders. These scans can be quite long (up to 60 minutes in the scanner) and you will be asked to hold your breath many times. 

If you think you may feel claustrophobic during your MRI, please discuss this with us at the time of booking. We can offer sedation or you can talk to your referring doctor about options. Modern MRI scanners are much more comfortable than they were in the past, with larger bore sizes, improved lighting, faster scan times, and room adaptations for claustrophobic patients. We offer specific room adaptations at our Qscan Windsor, Annerley, and Mackay clinics to help ensure a more comfortable experience.