Imaging appointments available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Call us to book your appointment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging technique that provides very detailed images of the human anatomy, without the use of harmful radiation. It uses radio frequency waves and a strong magnetic field to generate images. It can help diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, skeleton, abdomen, and soft tissue.
MRI can be useful to image:
Our highly trained and board-certified MRI Technologists will perform your MRI. Following the scan our experienced Radiologist will review the images. A written diagnostic report will be sent to your referring physician for consultation and review. Your physician will discuss important findings for both diagnostic and pathologic assessment and next steps with you.
The procedure begins with a requisition from your physician.
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to complete an MRI safety questionnaire. A technologist will review this form with you before starting the exam to make sure it is safe for you to go into the MRI room.
You will be placed on a sliding table by the technologist and positioned comfortably with the appropriate camera for your study. The technologist leaves the room and programs individual MRI angles that typically last between 2 and 6 minutes each. The machine makes “knocking noises” so you will be given earplugs to protect you hearing. You will be able to communicate with the technologist at any time during the study with the use of a call bell and intercom. Depending on the number of images necessary, the study will generally take 20-45 minutes. You will be asked not to move for the duration of the exam because movement degrades the image quality.
HealthView has one of the largest diameter MRI machines in Atlantic Canada for your comfort. If you are claustrophobic, you may want to talk to your doctor prior to your MRI appointment to see if medication will help you.
Upon being checked in, a technologist will go over a safety questionnaire with you to determine whether you are a safe candidate for MRI imaging and injection (if required).
Once you arrive, you will be asked to change into a gown, unless the joint is easily accessible, such as in your ankles and hands.
Before the start of your exam, you will fill out a short questionnaire and provide written consent for your procedure. You will be able to ask our technologists any questions you may have.
Depending upon the study, a contrast material (gadolinium) may be injected through an IV. This material will enhance certain tissues and blood vessels, while aiding diagnosis.
Before the exam, please let the technologist know if you’ve experienced allergies to contrast in the past. If you are allergic to contrast, your doctor will discuss your options before the procedure.
If contrast is needed, you will be asked to lie on a table and the area to be injected will be exposed and cleaned with an aseptic. The skin may be numbed with a local anesthetic and contrast may be injected into the joint to confirm needle placement. A technologist will insert an IV line into a vein in your hand or arm and inject the contrast agent. You may feel a cooling sensation.
Your doctor will use either fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) or ultrasound to help view the area.
The injection procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
You will be awake during the procedure and may ask questions at any point.
During the injection, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort in the area of the injection.
Once the injection is complete, you will be taken to the MRI department for the scan.
We will provide you with ear protection to soften the noise of the MRI machine as well as any special equipment needed to help us obtain the best possible images.
You will then lie on the scanning table and your head will be centred into the magnetic tunnel.
The total exam takes approximately 20 to 45 minutes. During this time the technologist can hear and see you. All MRI exams require you to be very still in order to take good images.
Some patients may find the MRI machine makes them feel claustrophobic, especially during a brain MRI. If you think you might have a hard time with the exam, please talk to your doctor. They may prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax during the scan.
The results of your MRI will be analyzed by our on-site radiologist and a detailed report sent to your doctor as soon as possible.
Our new, high performance, clinically proven Siemens Skyra 3T MRI scanner ensures a confident diagnosis for every patient, superb image quality and unique premium clinical applications in a comfortable, spacious large bore environment. The Siemens Magnetom Skyra is used by more clinical users worldwide; than any other 3T 70 cm bore system.
Take a moment to learn more about the imaging exam that matters to you.
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