MRI

Prior to the MRI scan, you will be required to complete a safety questionnaire. You will be asked to double check this information on your arrival for your MRI procedure. Fasting (going without food and fluids) or a special preparatory diet for an MRI procedure might be required in some cases. When you make your appointment, you will be advised of any fasting requirements. If you have a pacemaker or other implants, it is important to tell the radiology practice before having the scan.

It is helpful if you do not wear any makeup or hairspray when you attend your MRI appointment. These products can contain small metal particles that can interfere and reduce the quality of the MRI images. We also recommend leaving valuable items such as watches, wallets and jewellery at home and that you dress in items that do not have metallic components (zips, eyelets, clips, under-wires and hooks).

If you are pregnant, please discuss this with your doctor and advise us before having the scan.

If you are claustrophobic (fear of small or enclosed spaces) and think you might not be able to proceed with the scan, advise your doctor or our practice when making your appointment. Sedative (calming) medication may need to be obtained from your doctor and taken prior to your MRI procedure. If you do need a sedative, you will need to arrange someone else to drive you home.

The MRI procedure will be thoroughly explained to you, and your safety questionnaire reviewed and discussed before you enter the MRI scan room. You will usually be asked to change into a gown. You will be asked to lie on the scan table and given a buzzer to hold. When you squeeze it, an alarm sounds in the control room and you will be able to talk to the MRI technologist.

You will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves, so the procedure itself is painless. However, there may be a lot of loud thumping or tapping noises during the scan so we can offer headphones, music or earplugs to help block the sound.

If you are claustrophobic and find you are unable to proceed with the scan you can alert the MRI technologist straight away. We have special procedures for people with claustrophobia and will advise you of what to do if this applies to you. MRI images are very susceptible to movement, so it is important that you are comfortable enough to lie still and hold your position during the scan.

The scan can take between 15 minutes to over 60 minutes to complete. This depends on the part of the body being imaged and what type of MRI is required to show the information. Before the scan begins, the radiographer will tell you how long the scan takes, so you know what to expect. 

MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging, such as mammography or ultrasound. Breast MRI does not use ionizing radiation and provides a method for imaging related to silicone breast implants.

MRI is the most sensitive method for diagnosing breast cancer and may be an appropriate screening tool for young women who have a high risk of breast cancer. Young women tend to have dense breast tissue, for which MRI is more appropriate than X-ray mammography. Because of its high accuracy in tissue differentiation, MRI is also becoming more and more important for staging breast cancer, which is crucial to determining the most appropriate treatment.

Close consultation with your GP and Specialist will assess the need for you to have MRI of your Breasts. Because MRI does not use ionising radiation and is very sensitive to soft tissue change it can be a useful tool in diagnosing and staging breast disease and in tailoring treatment plans.

Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you will be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy. As the machine being used for this scan contains a magnet, you will be asked to remove all metal items, such as hair clips, jewellery, hearing aids, dentures. A lockable cupboard will be provided for you to securely store all your belongings for the duration of your scan.  After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.