MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Introduction
You will soon be visiting the Radiology Department of Bronovo Hospital for an MRI examination. MRI is an imaging method that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to display human anatomy in cross-section.  

The doctor treating you may already have told you a little about this. This leaflet describes the MRI procedure more in detail. Your particular MRI examination may differ slightly from the description below. We recommend that you read the whole leaflet carefully.

Preparation
Usually no special preparations are necessary. If you have a tendency to be claustrophobic or if you are unable to lie still for a certain length of time, please report this beforehand to your doctor. He or she then will consult one of our radiologists.
Most of the time, you will be able to listen to a (music) CD. You can bring your own CD if you like.

The procedure 
When you arrive in the hospital, first report to the Radiology reception desk. Before entering the MRI room, make sure that you are not wearing any metallic or magnetic objects as a strong magnetic field is constantly active. 

Leave items such as watch, spectacles, hearing aid, false teeth, coins, keys, bank cards, etc. in your locker. The radiology technician will assist you in this matter. Once the technician has explained the procedure, you will be asked to lie on the MR -examination table. The technician will then move the table into a tunnel-shaped machine. It is important that you lie still during the entire examination, otherwise the images will be blurred and potentially useless.

A number of scans will be made, separated by short silent intervals. During every scan, you will hear sounds like a chisel or hammer banging with varying intensity. You will be given headphones to reduce the noise. The technician cannot hear you during the scans but you can squeeze a small rubber ball that will alert the technician to open up the sound system for communication.

Contrast agent
In some cases, contrast fluid has to be administered via a drip in your arm.

s an MRI painful?
An MRI examination is not painful. You may find the procedure slightly uncomfortable because of the confined space or the noise.

Length of the procedure
The entire examination takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Risks
MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves. No X-rays are used. MRI is a safe procedure that so far has not been found to cause any harmful effects. You cannot undergo an MRI if you have a pacemaker. If this is the case, you must contact the Radiology Department. Unlike X-ray contrast agent, the MRI contrast agent does not contain iodine. Hypersensitivity to this fluid is extremely rare. It cannot always be given to patients with severe kidney disease.
MRI has not been shown to be harmful to the unborn child. However, as an extra precaution, it is preferably not carried out in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.

Results
The technicians and the radiologist cannot give you the results of the MRI scan immediately. The radiologist will have to study the MRI images and will send the results within a few days to the referring doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you during a follow-up visit. If you do not already have an appointment for a follow-up visit, contact the Outpatients’ Department or your doctor (by phone) to make one. Make sure that the date of this appointment is at least one week after the date of the MRI scan, to allow time for the images to be analysed and reported.

Where do I find the Radiology Department?
The Radiology Department is on the ground floor, route 64. From the Central Hall take the left-hand corridor. Then turn right by the lifts and report to the reception desk on your left. The route is also signposted.

Final points
The Radiology Department would like to make sure that your appointment runs smoothly. So please be on time, taking into account some possible extra time to park your car. If you are unable to attend, please give us at least 24 hours notice (Mon-Fri during working hours). Without a cancellation we have to charge you the legally established no-show tariff.  

If you would like more information after reading this leaflet, please call the Radiology Department, during office hours, tel.: 070 - 312 41 20.