MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic test that produces detailed images to diagnose disease or injury. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce high resolution images of bone, soft tissue and organs of the body. MRI does not use x-rays or radiation.

MRI is a rapidly advancing imaging technique. For example MRI is now a complementary modality to mammography and ultrasound for further investigation of breast cancer in high risk patients, particularly young women who have dense glandular breast tissue. MRI is also complementary to CT and ultrasound for assessment of organs in the abdomen and pelvis such as kidneys, liver, pancreas and rectum and for musculoskeletal imaging.

At St Vincent’s Clinic Medical Imaging we have both a 1.5T and 3T scanner.

Preparation

• MRI scans usually require an appointment.
  To make a booking, please call (02) 9044 3200 or request a booking online.
• Please advise us if you are, or may be pregnant.
• You will be informed of any necessary test preparation, at the time of booking.
• Remember to bring your referral, Medicare and Pension/Health Care cards and previous imaging, relating to the region being scanned. If you do not have hardcopies of your films, please advise us with the name of your previous imaging provider, so that we may attempt to access them electronically.
• You are not required to bring your previous imaging if it has been performed at St Vincent’s Clinic Medical Imaging & Nuclear Medicine.
• If you have a recent eGFR blood test result, please bring the result to your appointment.

Your Results

When you first register with us, you will be invited to access SVCMI Patient, our patient app that enables our patients to securely access their images and reports.

See here for more information.

At the completion of your examination, you do not need to wait for images. You will receive the images into your SVCMI Patient app, approximately one hour after your scan is completed, and the report 4-6 days later. Your referring doctor will receive your results as soon as the report is finalised by our radiologist.

We recommend that you always return to your referring physician to discuss your results.

To download the app, go to your app store and select SVCMI Patient.
For the desktop version click here.

What to Expect

You will be asked to lie on the table (that will move into the scanner) and need to keep very still. Depending on the region being scanned, you may be asked to hold your breath for specific intervals.

We will provide you with earplugs and a headset to reduce the machine's noise levels.

Some MRI scans require a contrast injection Gadolinium. Contrast enables the radiologist to detect small or subtle lesions that may otherwise be not visible. It’s uncommon to experience allergic reactions and rare to experience severe reactions (less than one percent of cases). Our staff are trained in performing safety checks prior to contrast administration, to minimise any risks.

At St Vincent's Clinic Medical Imaging all contrast examinations are conducted under the supervision of radiologists and support of medical officers of St Vincent's Private Hospital.

If you are claustrophobic, please let us know when you make your booking. Bear in mind that our rooms are spacious and have sky ceiling and wall panels for a pleasant outlook during the examination. The scanners are modern with an open bore design and our staff are highly experienced in providing professional, comforting care. If you are only mildly claustrophobic, you may not need sedation.