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Upper abdomen exams - Do not eat or drink for six hours before the examination.
This includes liver, pancreas, biliary system [MRCP], gallbladder etc.
Safety Screening
The MRI nurse or technologist will perform a safety screening on you and anyone else
entering the MRI suite with you. The safety screening consists of questions regarding
previous surgery, occupation, and history of metal fabrication/welding/grinding. You may be
required to have x-rays of the eye area to check for metal fragments.
What Do I Wear?
Please consider wearing comfortable clothing without zippers and/or snaps such as a sweat
suit. Hospital gowns and pajamas can be provided if necessary.
Metallic objects are not allowed in the MRI suite. These objects include but are not limited
to: cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, implanted electronic devices of any kind, jewellery,
canes, removable dental work, cell-phones and beepers, scissors, etc.
Pacemaker
Pregnancy
Claustrophobia
Skin tattoos
Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
Aneurysm clips
Cochlear implants
History of diabetes
Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen,
for they have to be removed prior to entering the scan room.
If you dont want to change into hospital attire, please wear cotton clothing without any metal
zippers, hooks, or buttons.
Please let us know if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
Please bring a list of your current medications.
If you have claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with
you for your MRI appointment.
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There is little preparation for an MRI exam. Take your daily medications as you
normally would, unless instructed otherwise. There are few dietary restrictions for an
MRI. For those exams, you will be notified of the requirements.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your exam and check in with the receptionist.
You will need to complete the MRI screening form.
If your clothes have any metal fasteners or metallic design, you will be asked to
change into a hospital gown. A locker will be supplied to secure your belongings.
A technologist will verify your identification and the requested exam. Your screening
form will be reviewed by the technologist in consultation with the radiologist if
indicated. If MRI contrast is indicated for the exam, an IV catheter will be inserted in
your arm by a nurse or technologist.
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The duration of the procedure will vary but the average is 45 minutes to one
hour per body part.
You will be required to lie still during the actual MR scanning. Depending on
the body part that is being examined, you may be instructed to hold your
breath for up to 30 seconds.
The magnet is permanently open on both ends. It is well lit and there is a fan
for patient comfort. There is also a two way intercom system for
communication between patient and technologist. The part of the body being
scanned will be placed in the middle of the magnet.
During the actual imaging, you will hear a loud intermittent banging noise.
You will be provided with earplugs or head phones to minimize the noise
during the procedure.
The technologist will also provide you with an alarm button to alert the
technologist of any discomfort you may experience at any point during the
MRI exam.
Some MRI exams require an injection of intravenous MRI contrast. Inform the
technologist if you experience any discomfort during the injection.
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If a dye injection is used, the IV is removed from the arm before you go home.
In the event that sedation is needed (such as for claustrophobia), you will be
sent home once awake and alert. If you receive sedation, someone must drive
you home.