MRI SCAN- PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
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1. SHOULD I REACH THE CENTRE BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TIME?
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Our radiographer will inform you the timings when you make an appointment. It is better if you can make it 20-30 minutes before your appointment time to make preparations for the study.
Some patients may need to drink oral contrast for their scan. The more contrast you are able to drink, the better the images are for the radiologist to visualize your stomach and intestines. In such cases, he/she must arrive in the department 45 mins prior to their examination time.
2. SHOULD I DO BLOOD TESTS BEFORE THE MRI SCAN?
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Blood tests like kidney function tests are usually not required prior to the MRI scan. However, in certain exams where a contrast agent is required, you may be asked to perform blood urea and serum creatinine test. Our radiographer or supporting staff will inform you before the study if any tests are required.
3. I HAVE A PACEMAKER / METALLIC MEDICAL DEVICE. WILL IT CAUSE PROBLEMS?
If you have a pacemaker or had your heart valves replaced, you may not be able to undergo an MRI scan as the high magnetic fields may damage the device. Similar devices like Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), insulin pumps, stents, clips or coils can move and create issues.
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4. I HAVE A METALLIC PLATE / OBJECT WITHIN MY BODY. CAN I UNDERGO AN MRI SCAN?
Metallic plates used for fixing bones or any metallic fragments within the body like a bullet wound is generally a contraindication to an MRI scan. Metal grinders or welders also may encounter issues within the machine. Some metallic implants are MRI safe and in these cases, MRI can be done without any issues.
5. I AM AFRAID OF CLOSED SPACES. WILL IT BE AN ISSUE?
Claustrophobia (Fear of closed spaces) is a common condition, which can create panic when an individual is in a closed space like a lift, a small room or an MRI scanner. As a result, patients may not be able to lie down still during the scan time. We do take this condition seriously and do whatever possible to keep you comfortable.
Our machines have a wide opening and has calming lights to reduce the anxiety. Our scanner has very low noise and is capable of completing scans much faster than a normal MRI scanner.
In addition to this, our experienced radiographers are specially trained to keep the patients relaxed, with comfortable positioning and audio communication throughout the scan. You also have an option to listen to relaxing music through headphones and if necessary, a family member or your friend can accompany you during the scan for support.
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6. CAN I TAKE AN MRI IF I AM BREASTFEEDING?
Yes. Even with contrast scans, the scans are safe and there are no recommended precautions to be taken in breastfeeding women. According to the latest American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines - "Because of the very small percentage of Gadolinium based contrast that is excreted in breast milk and absorb by the infant's gut, the available data suggests that it is safe for the nursing mother to continue breastfeeding after receiving such an agent."
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7. CAN I TAKE AN MRI IF I AM PREGNANT?
MRI scans are usually not taken in the first 3 months of pregnancy as the long term effects of high strength magnetic fields on a baby's development is unknown. However, MRI scans are safe in later stages of pregnancy and can be useful in imaging the mother's as well as the baby's internal organs.
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8. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? CAN I WEAR JEWELLERY?
You will be required to change into patient gowns and remove all metallic objects from your body, including clips, pins, phones and jewellery. Wallets and cards are to be kept away as the cards may malfunction. As we don't have a locker facility, it's best if you can keep all these at home or give it to your bystander.
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9. WHAT CAN I EAT / DRINK BEFORE THE MRI?
There are no restrictions and you can have your normal food and drinks for most MRI exams. There may be restrictions for some special MRI examinations, which will be conveyed to you beforehand by our supporting staff.
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10. I HAD AN ALLERGY DURING MY PREVIOUS MRI EXAM. SHOULD I BE WORRIED?
Allergy to MRI contrast agents are rare; but if you had an allergy in the past, please convey the same to our staff before the exam. If your scan does not require a contrast agent, you can safely undergo the scan.
We always test for allergies and our staff are equipped to deal with life support measures. We use medicines with the lowest risk of allergic reactions in our centre.
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In case of previous allergy, we might have to discuss with your doctor to arrange for alternatives or we may have to cancel the study.