How do I get an appointment?
A request for an MRI examination can be made by either your specialist or your family doctor. Upon receipt of this request by fax or mail, a radiologist will review the information and prescribe the appropriate MRI examination. Requests are sorted according to medical urgency. Our booking clerk will then contact you to arrange an appointment time. Our waiting list varies (see Waiting List Update), but if you are available on short notice, please give us a call and we will be happy to add your short-notice contact information to our cancellation list.
I saw my doctor 6 weeks ago. Why haven’t I heard from you?
Our waiting list varies. Generally, we call you only within a week or so of an available appointment time. (See Waiting List Update)
When will I get the results?
Your doctor should receive a report within about 10 days of your MRI appointment. Delays may occur if we are waiting for any necessary previous reports to arrive. To obtain results please make an appointment with your doctor; do not contact the MRI department.
Can I get a copy of my report?
In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation and the Hospital’s Fees Policy, a patient may request a copy of their MRI report by completing our Request for Reports form. There is no charge for this report. There is, however, a charge for a CD of your MR images. Download a PDF version of our Request for MRI/Radiology Images or Reports form for more details. Please allow 30 days for delivery. You may also make arrangements to come and pick up your report or images in person. CDs must be payed for in advance at the Hospital cashier.
Is MRI safe?
MRI does not require any invasive techniques, nor does it use any x-rays or ionizing radiation. However, because of the use of high magnetic fields, there are safety concerns if you have a pacemaker, an aneurysm clip, or if you have a history of eye injury involving metal fragments. It is important that you accurately complete the MRI Screening form, so that our staff can determine whether it is safe for you have MRI. For example, if you have a cochlear implant in your ear, we will need to know the brand name to determine if it is one of the implant brands that may be effected by a high magnetic field.
How does MRI work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a high magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed maps of hydrogen protons in the body. In areas of disease there is often a change in the concentration or behaviour of hydrogen and this is reflected in the MR image as areas of brighter or darker signal intensity. A radiologist trained to interpret these complex maps will review your MR examination and provide a report to your doctor. Learn more about MRI.
Why does the scanning take so long?
MR images can be acquired in a number of different ways. Some techniques are employed to defining anatomical detail while others are better at highlighting specific disease processes. Each individual technique takes about 5 minutes and a typical MRI exam may employ three to 10 of these techniques. Below are some examples of total MRI examination times or click to see what it looks like:
Head scan: 20 minutes to 1 hour
Neck scan: 45 minutes
Neck and lower back: 1.5 hours
Knee: 45 minutes
How long do I have to hold still?
You will be asked to keep very still for the duration of each individual scanning technique. As mentioned above, your examination is comprised of a series of scans lasting about 5 minutes each. If you move during the scanning process, the images will be blurry and not useful in your diagnosis. Any physical limitations you may have can generally be accommodated and some movement may be permissible between scans. Please feel free to discuss this with the scanning technologist.
What about my artificial hip or knee?
Unless we are imaging directly in the area of your orthopedic implant- (screws, pins, or plates) your MRI exam should be fine. There is no risk to you or your implant.
What about my dental fillings?
Dental work may cause some image distortion if we are imaging the mouth area, but there is no risk of your fillings becoming dislodged.
Why can’t I wear scented products?
Scented products contain a number of chemicals that can cause mild to severe reactions in those who have allergies or asthma. A number of our staff have these severe allergies to scented products. In order to help create a safer work environment for our staff and for other patients we ask that you wear no scented products on the day of your appointment. Anyone accompanying you to your appointment must also be scent-free.
What about natural scents?
Please refrain from wearing all scented products.
Why do you ask so many questions about my past surgeries?
MR imaging employs a very strong magnetic field. We must ensure that you have no implants that are known to be affected by a strong magnetic field. (See screening form). Some implants that are of particular concern to us are pacemakers and aneurysm clips.
Can someone accompany me during my MRI examination?
Most patients do not require assistance during their scan, but if you feel that it will ease your anxiety or will help with your transfer onto the scanning table, you may bring someone to help you. This person will also be screened so that we can make determine if it is safe for them to be in the magnetic field with you.
Can I have other body parts scanned while I’m in there?
No. A request for an MRI examination is like a prescription for medication. Each MRI examination requires a specific request from your doctor. Even though your whole body may be positioned in the scanner, our imaging techniques focus on one body part at a time.
Will I be having any injections?
Normally MRI does not require any injections, but sometimes we employ what we call a contrast agent to help with your diagnosis. This contrast agent is sometimes referred to as a “dye.”
Is the MRI dye the same as CT or x-ray dye?
No, MRI dye uses gadolinium. The risk of reaction to this dye is much lower than to x-ray dye. It is not iodine-based; if you have had a serious reaction to x-ray dye, it is still safe for you to have MRI dye.
I’ve already had a CT scan so why do I need an MRI? What’s the difference?
CT and MRI provide different kinds of information. Your doctor determines which is the most appropriate test for you, and sometimes both are necessary. While both scanners are similar in appearance, CT scanners make images is by using x-rays to plot the difference in electron density of adjacent tissues, and MR scanners, as described above, make images based on differences in the density and behaviour of hydrogen protons.
Why does the scanner make so much noise?
The technique of MR imaging employs magnetic fields called gradient fields that are used to determine the location of signals generated in the MRI process. These powerful gradient fields are switched off and on at a very fast rate and the result is a banging sound. Patients have described the sound as that of a broken washing. You will be provided with hearing protection to dampen this noise.
Why do you suggest that patients bring music?
The MRI scanner makes a lot of noise when it is scanning so you will be provided with a set of headphones to protect your hearing. You can listen to music through these headphones. Many patients find that music helps them to relax. You can bring your own CDs or audio tapes, or choose a radio station to listen to. You do not need to bring your own radio or playing device. We have a special MR-compatible sound system similar to those found on passenger airplanes.
What about claustrophobia?
Claustrophobia is the fear of small spaces. Since MR imaging takes place inside a large magnet, some patients feel concerned about being in a confined space. Patients may feel a bit nervous initially, but they generally settle in and take the opportunity to rest and listen to music. Some even find it very relaxing! The scanner is open at both ends, has lights inside of it, and air circulating through it. Furthermore, the MRI technologist will be in communication with you throughout your examination and if you do feel anxious you will be removed from the scanner immediately. See the diagram below for our MRI scanner bore measurements.
Should I take sedation?
Normally sedation is not necessary, but if you know that you suffer from claustrophobia, e.g., you cannot ride in elevators or airplanes, you may prefer to take some mild sedation before your MRI examination. You must arrange a prescription for sedation from your own doctor prior to your MRI appointment. The UBC Hospital MRI department does not dispense sedatives. If you are planning to take sedation, please have someone accompany you, or plan to use public transportation or a taxi. Our departmental policy defines that you must not drive after taking sedation.
What about general anaesthetic?
General anaesthetic is rarely used for MRI and requires specialized MRI-compatible equipment. This specialized equipment is not available at the UBC Hospital MRI department.
What about "generously-sized" patients? Will they fit in the scanner?
There is no weight limit for our MRI system and, generally, most patients are able to fit into the scanner. Compare your own size with with the dimensions indicated in the diagram to the right, and contact us if you have any questions.