MRI

MRI has been shown to be extremely safe as long as proper safety precautions are taken. The powerful magnetic field of the scanner can attract certain metallic objects causing them to move suddenly and with great force to the centre of the MRI machine. Therefore, great care must be taken to ensure no metallic objects enter the MRI exam room.

You will be asked to remove jewelry, watches and items of clothing that have metallic threads or fasteners. Strict procedures and protocols are followed that will ensure your MRI examination will be a safe one.

Before any MRI procedure you will be asked to fill out a screening form about anything that might create a health risk or interfere with the MRI scan. You will also undergo an interview to ensure that you understood and answered the questionnaire properly.

Please note that you will be asked to complete the MRI screening form/questionnaire each time you have an MRI, even if you have already undergone an MRI procedure in the past.

• Continue to take all your prescribed medications unless otherwise directed.
• For scans of the abdomen and pelvis you will be instructed to have nothing to eat or drink four (4) hours prior to your exam time.
• You will not be allowed to wear anything metallic. It would be best to leave watches, jewelry, or anything metal at home. It is best not to wear make-up.

You will be asked to remove the following prior to entering the MRI exam room:

• Purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards, cards with magnetic stripes
• Electronic devices including beepers or cellphones.
• Hearing aids and dentures.
• Jewelry and watches.
• Pens, paper clips, keys, coins, hair barrettes, elastics, hairpins.
• Clothing that has metal fasteners, zippers, buttons, hooks, underwire, or metallic threading.
• Shoes, belts, safety pins.

If you have to bring of the above items, a secure space will be provided to store your valuables while you are undergoing the MRI scan.

• An MRI technologist will bring you into the MRI room and assist you onto the exam table.
• You will be provided with headphones or ear plugs because the MRI scanner can be quite noisy.
• You will be asked to lie as still as possible and you may be given directions to hold your breath at certain points during the exam.
• The technologist will verbally check in on you and watch you throughout the entire scan.
• Some patients may require an intravenous injection of contrast material to get more detailed pictures of your body. This will be discussed with you prior to your exam.
• If you have fear or anxiety about the MRI scan or cannot lie still for 30-60 minutes, ask your doctor about taking sedation or pain medication prior to your procedure. If you take a sedative, you must bring a driver with you or your exam will be cancelled.
• Family members are not permitted in the MRI scanning area.

There are items that may create a health hazard or other problems during an MRI. Please contact us immediately at 519-272-8210 extension 2660 and let us know if you have any of the following:

• Pacemaker or Implantable Cardiovascular Defibrillator (ICD)
• Neurostimulator
• Aneurysm clips
• Cardiac stent
• Cochlear Implant (Ear Implant)
• Metal implant
• Implanted drug infusion device
• Foreign metallic objects—especially in or near the eyes

If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or if you are breast feeding, please let us know.

If you have an Implant Card, please bring it with you to your appointment.