·        Remove all accessories, including jewelry, piercings, credit cards, phones, and metallic objects. A locker will be provided for your belongings.

·        If applicable, bring extra transdermal patches or continuous glucose monitors to replace after the exam.  Remove to avoid potential heating.

·        Avoid wearing makeup, mascara, hair extensions, or clips. Hearing aids and metal dentures will need to be removed prior to MRI.

·        You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and pants may be available.

·        Leave valuables at home. HHCC is not responsible for personal belongings. A locker will be provided.

·        Preparation varies depending on the type of MRI exam your doctor prescribed. Some tests may require fasting for six hours prior, while others require no special preparation.

·        The MRI team will provide you with the appropriate preparation instructions.

·        Follow the instructions provided to ensure the best imaging results.

Day of the Exam:

·        Expect your visit to take up to 2 hours, the MRI scan typically takes 20–45 minutes, depending on the body area.

·        Register at the Welcome Centre. Staff or volunteers will guide you to the MRI suite.

·        After check-in, please wait in the MRI waiting room util an MRI technologist comes and greets you.

·        You will complete a MRI safety screening, including questions about your medical history, medications, and allergies.

·        You are free to ask the MRI technologist any questions you may have about the procedure.

·        If you have had a metal eye injury, the MRI technologist may send you for orbital x-rays to ensure you are safe to proceed with MRI. 

·        If your MRI exam requires contrast injection, IV insertion may be required, you will be informed prior proceeding with MRI.

·        If you have a disability, please inform the MRI technologist (e.g. hearing loss on one ear), technologist may try best to speak louder for instructions and clear communication.

During the Exam:

·        Only approved clothing or gowns may be worn. Remove hearing aids, prosthetics, and any skin-adhered metal items.

·        Do not hesitate to ask the MRI technologist if you are unsure about any items on your body prior to proceeding with MRI exam.

·        The technologist will position you on the MRI table, which moves into a bright tunnel open at both ends.

·        The scan is painless but loud. Hearing protection will be provided.

·        You may feel slightly warm during the scan. If you experience pain or discomfort, use the emergency call bell to alert the technologist.

·        Stay as still as possible for clear images. If applicable, please follow the breathings instructions to obtain good quality images.

·        Some exams may require a contrast agent (dye) to enhance image quality. If contrast is required, you may feel cold during injection.

After the Exam:

·        You may resume normal activities and diet unless sedated, in which case a support person must drive you home.

·        If contrast was used, drink plenty of water to help flush the contrast out from your system.

·        Results are typically available to your referring physician within 10 business days and accessible via MyHealthportal in 2-3 weeks.

·        If the referring physician requires MRI images, no DVD is provided. Your images can be accessed in Pockethealth once the exam is reported.

·        If sedation is needed, your physician must prescribe medication in advance. Do not take sedatives before arriving; consult with the MRI technologist first before taking them for the best timing.

·        You must have a support person to drive you home if sedated, or your exam may be rescheduled.

·        A face cloth over the eyes, calming music through headphones may be available, or countdowns during the scan may help ease anxiety.

·        In some cases, your head may remain outside the MRI tunnel depending on the area being scanned.

·        You will have access to a call bell where on any occasion you may want to abort or communicate with the MRI technologist.

·        If you’ve had a metallic eye injury, contact the MRI department. You may need orbital X-rays before your exam to ensure no metal remains. External X-ray results must be received and cleared in advance.

• MRI scans are painless, though the table is slightly firm.

·        The loud noise is due to vibrations from gradient coils used to create images.

·        You will receive hearing protection. Proper insertion of earplugs is important for noise reduction.

·        The form identifies metal implants or conditions that may cause safety risks, heating issues or affect image quality.

·        Many implants are MRI-safe but may cause artifacts. Always notify staff if you’ve had surgeries or metal injuries.

·        MRI safety is a top priority at Headwaters to protect patients and staff.

·        The MRI table supports up to 550 lbs. The bore is 70 cm wide and 5 feet deep.

·        MRI technologists will assess how best to position you. Patients over 550 lbs may not be eligible for scanning.

·        Most exams take 20 to 45 minutes. You will need to allow up to 2 hours for your 

·        Movement during MRI scan or difficulty following instructions may prolong the scan and reduce image quality.

·        Difficult transfers may also increase exam time.

·        Some exams require a gadolinium-based contrast injection to improve image quality and help detect abnormalities.

·        It is administered through an IV and is typically painless.

·        In some cases, medications like Buscopan or Glucagon may be used to reduce internal motion for clearer abdominal images.

·        MRI magnets are extremely powerful and can attract metal, cause injury or burns.

·        Some clothing contains metal fibers or coatings that can heat up (e.g. Silver).

·        To ensure safety, all patients must wear approved clothing (hospital gowns) and remove all metallic objects before entering the MRI suite.

·        MRI is generally considered safe at all pregnancy stages if clinically necessary.

·        If preferred, non-urgent MRIs can be postponed beyond the first trimester.

·        Breastfeeding after contrast use is considered safe. However, if concerned, you may pump and discard milk for 24 hours post-scan.

·    Inform the MRI technologist of your restricted mobility for awareness and set best approaches for safe transfer onto MRI table.

·    The HHCC MRI table can be brought out of the MRI magnet room to facilitate patient transfer.

·    An HHCC MRI wheelchair can also be available for patient transfer with restricted mobility.

·    A Hoyer lift can be available for transfer onto our MRI table, referring physician should indicate on MRI requisition.

At this time, we do not accept pediatric patients requiring sedation.