MRI

The length of an MRI exam varies depending on the area of the body being examined. On average, a knee, ankle, hip, elbow, and wrist exam may take 25–45 minutes. The length of the exam depends on the length of the anatomy of interest.

Noise is a byproduct of electrical pulses within the MRI scanner. These electrical pulses produce the images. Earplugs are provided to reduce the noise and make the experience more comfortable.

The MRI scanner is an oversized and extremely powerful magnet, which is approximately 13 times stronger than the magnet that picks up cars in a junkyard and 30,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic pull. If a metal object is brought into the room, it will be attracted to the strong magnetic field and become a projectile.

The use of contrast in MRI may make certain tissues, abnormalities, or disease processes more visible on the MRI scan. For all exams, images will first be acquired without the contrast injection. After several images are taken, the MRI technologist will then enter the room to administer the contrast intravenously.

MRI is used to illustrate, more clearly than ever before, the difference between healthy and diseased tissue, and can provide important information about the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side effects.

Both MRI and CT create cross-sectional images of the body. The main difference is that MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images, whereas a CT scanner uses ionizing radiation. The systems complement each other well, as they both have their inherent strengths and weaknesses.

A certified and licensed MRI technologist will be helping you. In addition, our technologists are certified to start IV catheters, perform CPR and are required to have ongoing continued education.

The length of your exam will depend on what is ordered by your doctor, or the body part of interest.

In general exams will take 45–60 minutes and up to 2 hours for speciality exams.

For more detailed information regarding the length of your exam, please call the scheduling department at 07 4181 0200

On average, brain and spine exams may last about 45 minutes. If the exam includes contrast, study may take up to 15 minutes longer.

Body exams may take up to 45–60 minutes. For body exams, it is important to follow the breathing instructions given to you for good quality reading.

Cardiac MRI, due to the physiological function of the heart, along with natural breathing motion, may take an hour and a half to two hours.

An average knee, ankle, hip, elbow and wrist exams may take 25–45 minutes long. One of the factors these exams depend on, is the length of the anatomy of interest. For example, an MRI scan of the thigh-bone (femur) will most likely take longer than a routine knee exam.

Breast imaging exams may take about 45 minutes to an hour. If Breast Biopsy is required, the exam might take up to 1 hour. Some factors that affect the time of the exam are the shape and size of the breasts. Most breast exams will require the use of a contrast injection.