To book your MRI scan

For cervical spine, shoulder and knee MRI examinations you are able to make an appointment directly with our booking staff on:

• phone 9955 4466
• fax 9955 7523
• email mri@mater-imaging.com.au

For other examinations you will be required to email or fax the referral through to the department so that it can be viewed by our doctors to ensure the most appropriate appointment time is made.

What are the tests used for?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a very strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce images of the body. The images complement other modalities by giving further definition of the tissues within the body.

Is MRI safe?

It does not use ionising radiation (x-rays). Numerous studies have been done and none has found that MRI is harmful. The powerful magnet does not have any known side effects.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will be required to complete a MRI safety questionnaire prior to your scan.

It is important that certain metallic objects are not taken into the scan room as they can interfere with the machine and may cause injury.

Please bring any relevant prior x-rays or scans with you on the day of your examination.

If you are having abdomen or soft-tissue pelvis MRI you will be required to fast for 4 hours.

What happens during the scan?

During the examination you will hear some loud knocking noises and you may feel a slight vibration. This is normal; it's the system ‘gradients’ switching on and off rapidly to produce the images in different directions. Unlike an x-ray system the magnetic field is always ‘on’, not just during image acquisition.

You must wear hearing protection, either headphones or earplugs depending on the region we are scanning. Piped music will be provided, the technologist will communicate with you via the intercom between the various scans and you'll be given a call button to press if you require assistance urgently.

It is very important that you keep your body very still and relaxed as movement will degrade the quality of the images taken.

Does it hurt?

You should not feel anything from the MRI scan however if you are already suffering from pain we recommend that you take a prescribed analgesic or mild painkiller to enable you to lie still for the duration of the study.

And after the test is finished?

You will be able leave the department and resume normal activities; the scans are not available for collection until the radiologist has reviewed all the images and prepared a detailed report for your specialist. The receptionist will inform you when the results will be ready.

Who cannot have an MRI scan?

Anyone with:

• a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
• certain cochlear implants
• metal clips on arteries
• certain implanted devices

cannot have an MRI scan. We will run through the questionnaire with you prior to taking you into the magnet room. Please contact us in advance of your appointment if you have any questions.

How long will it take?

The whole procedure will take between 15 minutes to 1 hour and will consist of different scans of approximately 3–5 minutes each.

Will I have to undress?

Depending on the examination you may be asked to change into a cotton gown and remove all metallic all objects including the following:

• watches
• keys
• coins
• scissors
• jewellery
• mobile phones
• pagers
• credit cards
• shoes
• pens
• dentures
• hair clips and pins
• clothing with metal attachments.

Will I need an injection?

For some MRI studies, a contrast agent called Gadolinium may be injected into a vein to help obtain a clearer picture of the area being examined. The Gadolinium contrast has been proven to enhance areas not always seen on the non-contrast scans and is prescribed by the radiologist depending on the clinical indications and appearance of the images. The use of Gadolinium in your study should not be cause for alarm as it may be recommended to exclude an abnormality or further investigate the area of interest.

If the contrast is required, an intravenous injection-trained technologist will slide the table out of the scanner and explain the procedure. The contrast is typically introduced through a small needle in an arm or hand vein and flushed through with a saline solution (sterile salt water).

Unlike contrast agents used in x-ray studies, MRI contrast agents do not contain iodine and, therefore, rarely cause allergic or anaphylactic reactions.

There are some contra-indications to receiving this product however, so please inform the staff if you are:

• pregnant
• breastfeeding
• have a history of renal insufficiency or are on dialysis
• have anaemia or any disease affecting red blood cells.

As per any procedure, it is your decision to consent to having the contrast agent.

Please do not hesitate to ask the technologist if you have any further questions or concerns.

Procedure

On arrival in the department you will be asked to complete a thorough safety questionnaire so we can take you into the magnet room. You will be asked questions regarding any previous surgery you may have had which will assist us in our scanning protocol.

If you have ever had metal fragments in your eye you MUST let us know. We will need to perform an eye x-ray to exclude the presence of metal, as it is a safety concern.

When will I get my results?

There is a standard maximum turnaround time of 3 working days for MRI reports. Please enquire about the turnaround time when booking to ensure that the films are ready for your next appointment with your doctor.

You are able to come back and collect the films up to 5 days after your scan or alternatively we can arrange a courier to send the films to your doctor for a $20 fee.