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Medi-Rad Associates Ltd Radiologic Clinic

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Bone Mineral Densitometry I Breast Imaging Services I Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computed Tomography I Contrast Study I Fluoroscopy I General Radiography I Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Nuclear Medicine & PET Scan I Ultrasound

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

	What is MRI?
	Preparation
	On the Day of the Examination
	Benefits
	Risks
	Limitations of MRI
	Services Available
	Locations Where MRI is Available

WHAT IS MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical diagnostic technique that creates images of the body using a magnetic field and radio waves.

It does not use x-rays. A versatile, powerful and sensitive tool, MRI can generate thin-section images of any part of the body from any angle in a relatively short period of time.

MRI is a completely non-invasive and painless procedure. There are no known side or after effects.

Medi-Rad has four MRI units - two 1.5 Tesla and two open magnet systems. With these units, a full range of MRI services is provided.


1.5 Tesla and 0.5 Tesla	Open Magnet

PREPARATION

	As the strong magnetic field used for MRI will pull on any terromagnetic metal object implanted in the body, it is important that all metallic items including magnetic strips (eg. bank or credit cards) be removed before entering the scanning room. The presence of metal will also degrade the MRI image and therefore has to be removed to optimised your examination. In most cases, surgical staples, plates, pins and screws pose no risk during MRI if they have been in place for more than four to six weeks. If there is a doubt, an x-ray may be required to verify the presence of any metal in your body or head.
	You are discouraged from applying makeup or sprays on your body or hair as these may contain metallic dust and affect the images.
	You will be asked to fill in a pre-examination questionnaire to ensure that no significant medical history is forgotten, and that the staff is fully aware of any metal that may be in your body.
	Unless a contrast injection is required, you may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise stated.
	If you are claustrophobic, sedation may be required. Please highlight this when making an appointment and further instructions will be given to you.

ON THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION

Before the Examination

	Fill in a questionnaire on your medical history.
	Remove items like your wallet, watch, keys and magnetic strip cards (eg ATM, credit cards). Put them in the lockers provided.
	Change into a patient gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or zippers..

During the MRI

	You will be positioned on a padded table and slowly moved into an open magnet that surrounds the body with a magnetic field.
	Once you are comfortably positioned, it is important that you remain relaxed and completely still during the scan. Movement will result in unclear images.
	There will be faint knockings, intermittent humming and thumping sounds, which represent changes in the magnetic field. Earplugs will be provided.
	Breathe normally. There is nothing about the procedure to make you uncomfortable or feel pain. You may notice a warm feeling in the area that is undergoing examination - this is normal but please let us know if it bothers you.
	In some cases the doctor may order an image enhancement agent - a fluid that is injected into a vein (usually though the arm) . This does not mean that your condition is more serious. Please do not be worried.
	You will have voice contact with the radiographer at all times and you can be seen clearly from the control room.

How Long Will It Take?

Depending on the information your doctor needs, the examination can take between 30 to 90 minutes. You should expect to be at the MRI centre for one to two hours.

When You Can Expect Results

The MRI radiologist and radiographer will review the images during the scan to check that they are clear. The report will be sent to your doctor who will then discuss the scan results with you.

All patients for MRI examinations must be referred by a registered medical doctor

BENEFITS

	Images of the soft-tissue structures of the body, such as the heart, lungs, liver and other organs, are clearer and more detailed than with other imaging methods.
	MRI helps physicians evaluate the function and structure of many organs.
	The detail in MRI makes it an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumours.
	MRI contrast material is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
	MRI enables the detection of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone in other imaging methods.
	MRI provides a fast, non-invasive alternative to x-ray angiography for diagnosing problems of the heart and cardiovascular system.
	Exposure to radiation is avoided.

RISKS

	An undetected metal implant may be affected by the strong magnetic field.
	MRI is generally avoided in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors usually use other methods of imaging, such as ultrasound, on pregnant women unless there is a strong reason to use MRI.

LIMITATIONS OF MRI

	Bone is better imaged by conventional x-rays in some cases and computed tomography (CT) is preferred for patients with severe bleeding.
	MRI may not always distinguish between tumour tissue and edema fluid.
	It does not detect calcium when this is present with a tumour.
	In most cases, the examination is safe for patients with metal implants, with the exception of a few types of implants. So patients should inform the staff of the presence of an implant prior to the test.
	The examination must be used cautiously in early pregnancy.
	MRI typically costs more than CT scanning.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

Abdomen

Ankle

Cervical Spine

Chest

Elbow

Femur

Foot

Hand

Head

Hip

Humerus

Kidneys

Knee

Liver

Lumbar Spine

Nasopharynx

Neck

Orbits

Pituitary Fossa

Radius/Ulna

Sacrum

Shoulder

Spine Screen

Thoracic Spine

Tibia/Fibula

Wrist

Pelvis

Headache Screen

Backache Screen

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Carotids

Circle of Willis

Dural Sinus

Stroke Screen

Breast

CSF Study

Spectroscopy

MRCP

IAM Screen

Kinetic Study

LOCATIONS WHERE MRI IS AVAILABLE

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

Paragon

Health Promotion Board

Arcade

Novena

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