FAQs

A: MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a state-of-the-art technique that allows doctors to see inside the human body in remarkable detail without using x-rays. MRI images are produced with the use of a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system. The procedure is safe and painless.

A: MRA, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, is a special type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that is tailored to visualize the blood vessels and blood flow in a specific part of the body. MRA produces clear accurate pictures. As a result, it’s increasingly being used before, or in place of, conventional angiography and other procedures.

A: Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays. Both systems complement each other well as they both have their inherent strengths and weaknesses; however, CT usually can only directly acquire transverse (or crosswise) images, whereas MRI can directly acquire slices in any plane. In addition, MRI is superior when it comes to soft tissue contrast, and there are no known side effects. The ability to view pictures from multiple directions, high tissue contrast, and lack of x-rays make MRI a very powerful and increasingly popular imaging tool. Please note, MRI is very sensitive to motion during the acquisition of pictures and, in some instances, CT is preferable if the patient is unable to stay still. Watch a Video.

A: The DAP is a Standing Committee of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC, with authority delegated as specified in the Part XVI Diagnostic Services & Facilities of the Rules Made Under The Medical Practitioners Act. The Program is rooted in the philosophy of peer review and professional initiatives to sustain and promote compliance with accepted standards.

A: Image One MRI Clinic has a GE Signa Infinity system (as shown above), which has a dual-flared bore that is shorter and wider, providing greater comfort for our patients. While having an MRI scan, you will be comfortably positioned on the table, usually on your back, with a small cushion under your knees. The table lifts up and slides into a cylindrical shaped tube that is open at both ends during your entire scan. Your head is very near one end and your feet are very near, or out, the other.

A: Preparation for your MRI is very simple. You may eat normally and take any prescribed medications the day of the study. We ask that you arrive 15-20 minutes early for your appointment and that you bring any related diagnostic tests (x-rays, CT scans, etc.) with you. You may bring your own CD to listen to music during the procedure or you may select some music from our extensive collection. Some comfortable loungewear will be provided for you to change into, or if you wish, you can bring your own metal free clothing.

A: Upon arrival, you will be greeted and registered by our receptionist, and any papers and/or diagnostic studies will be collected at this time. You will fill out a screening form and watch a short video on MRI. Next you will be shown to a secure change room and asked to remove any metallic objects such as jewellery, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, and possibly non-permanent dentures. Wallets, credit cards, and purses must also be left behind in our secure change rooms. Prior to the start of the scan, our technologist will conduct a brief interview with you regarding your medical history and the possible presence of metallic objects in your body. Finally, you will be taken into the scanning room where the technologist will have you lie on the padded examination table.

A: Once in the scan room, the technologist will help you onto a padded examination table where you will be comfortably situated. While the scan is in progress, you will hear intermittent knocking noises that are normal and there should be no cause for alarm. The most important thing to remember is that you must remain motionless during the study to prevent the images from blurring. Throughout the scan, you will be able to speak to the technologist via an intercom. We will provide you with our MRI compatible headphones, which help block out the noise and allow you to listen to music. If you choose not to listen to music we will provide you with earplugs. Most exams take from 30-45 minutes and, unless you were pre-medicated, you may resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

A: Our Radiologist will interpret your scan, it will get transcribed, signed, and faxed to your doctor within two business days. After that you can meet with your family doctor or specialist to review your results. Please do not ask the technologist or staff for your results. Only your physician or his/her staff can give your results to you.

A: The technologist will be in constant contact with you while you are being scanned via an intercom system. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the scan, you can speak to the technologist and they will assist you accordingly.

A: No. This is one way that an MRI differs from some other scans. With the MRI scanner, we can image just about any part of the body; however, each scan is limited to a specific body part or area. An MRI is very detailed as each area we scan takes from 30-60 minutes. We have started offering a core body study in which we scan your head, chest, abdomen and pelvic area. This study is done over 2 days.

A: The part of the scanner that takes the pictures is located in the center of the scanner. Therefore, in order to do a scan of your head, most of your body must slide into the scanner for proper positioning. The same is true for other studies of the spine and upper extremities.

A: Surgically implanted metallic pins, wires, rods, etc. are usually okay to be scanned, as are hip or knee/shoulder replacements, etc. All dental implants and fillings are also okay. However, certain metallic devices can cause interference with the scan. It is particularly important for us to know if you have a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a muscle stimulator, any other implanted electrical device, a history of heart or brain surgery, brain aneurysm clips, shrapnel or a history of getting metal fragments in your eyes. When you have the scan, even though we are focusing on one specific area, your whole body does go into the scanner. In fact, just walking into the scanning room puts you within the magnetic field since the magnet is never turned “off.” That is why we have to know about metal anywhere in or on your body. You will be asked on numerous occasions about any metal implants. Please try to be as thorough as possible when answering as this is for your safety.

A: The average MRI study takes about 30-40 minutes. Some scans may be shorter and some a little longer.

A: We normally do not scan pregnant women. If you think you might be pregnant, you must have a pregnancy test done or wait until your menstrual period before we can scan you. If you are breast-feeding, an unenhanced routine MRI is no problem. HOWEVER, if there is the possibility of your scan being enhanced with the contrast media, you should plan on bottle-feeding the baby for 48 hours after the scan until the contrast material has passed out of your system.

A: Our office will bill your health insurance with prior approval from your insurance plan administrator. We must have this authorization in writing and it will need to be mailed or faxed to Image One MRI prior to your appointment. Not all extended benefits insurance will cover the cost of your appointment. You must check with your plan administrator to see if you have coverage.

A: The more information that our Radiologist has when he reviews your study, the more specific the interpretation will be. Correlations with other studies are often helpful.

A: Yes. The results will only be shared with your referring physician and no one else without YOUR permission.