MRI

·        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. Please note that HHCC MRI does not provide any sedation medication to our patients.

·        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 prior to your MRI appointment.

• 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. Headphones will also be provided.

·        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.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your test.

If you are claustrophobic, please take medication according to your physician's instructions. Please note that we are unable to provide you any medication. If you're taking any sedation, please ensure that someone will drive you back home after your test.

Do not wear any necklaces, earrings, bracelets, piercings, or metal hair clips or pins to your appointment.

Please expect to change into hospital attire prior to your test.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your test.

If you are claustrophobic, please take medication according to your physician's instructions. Please note that we are unable to provide you any medication. If you're taking any sedation, please ensure that someone will drive you back home after your test.

Please expect to change into hospital attire prior to your test and possibility of contrast (dye) injection.

Do not wear any necklaces, earrings, bracelets, piercings, or metal hair clips or pins to your appointment. 

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your test.

No food or drink for six hours prior to your test. Medication can be taken with a small sip of water.

If you are claustrophobic, please take medication according to your physician's instructions. Please note that we are unable to provide you with any medication.

If you're taking any sedation, please ensure that someone will drive you back home after your test.

Please expect to change into hospital attire prior to your test and possibility of contrast (dye) injection.

Please do not wear any necklaces, earrings, bracelets, piercings, or metal hair clips or pins to your appointment.

Please arrive 1.5 hours prior to your test.

No food or drink for six hours prior to your test. Medication can be taken with a small sip of water. If you are claustrophobic, please take medication according to your physician's instructions. Please note that we are unable to provide you with any medication. If you're taking any sedation, please ensure that someone will drive you back home after your test.

Please expect to change into hospital attire prior to your test and possibility of contrast (dye) injection.

Do not wear any necklaces, earrings, bracelets, piercings, or metal hair clips or pins to your appointment.

The patient will require to drink two separate 500 ml cups at the interval of 30 minutes per each up. The MRI scanning will start approximately 1 hour prior after receiving the first drink mixture. The MRI technologist will provide you with the drinks and timeline for consumption.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your test.

Complete Fleet Enema 3 hours prior to test.

No food or drink for six hours prior to your test. Medication can be taken with a small sip of water. If you are claustrophobic, please take medication according to your physician's instructions. Please note that we are unable to provide you with any medication. If you're taking any sedation, please ensure that someone will drive you back home after your test.

Please expect to change into hospital attire prior to your test and possibility of contrast (dye) injection.

Do not wear any necklaces, earrings, bracelets, piercings, or metal hair clips or pins to your appointment.