Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. If you are late, your appointment may be rescheduled. The MRI suite is located in Wing B, Level 1 around the corner from the Wing B Elevators and in the hallway to the Round About entrance on Coronation Blvd. If your appointment is after hours, MRI and parking can be accessed via the Wing B entrance. 

Bring your health card. 
 

The MRI uses a strong magnet. For your safety, please limit the metallic objects on your clothing and person (e.g., watches, piercings, dentures, hearing aids, etc.). If possible, leave valuables at home. You will be asked to remove medication patches, please bring extra to reapply after your MRI scan. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. 

If you have metal such as shrapnel, bullets embedded in your body, or have worked with metal or had metal in your eyes, please arrange with your doctor to x-ray the area prior to your MRI.

If you are claustrophobic, please let your care provider know. If you are taking sedation or claustrophobia, ensure you have transportation to and from your appointment. You MUST not drive while taking sedation.

Some MRI scans require you to follow specific instructions. 

• For MRI Abdomen: do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
• For MRI Enterography: pick up specific instructions from the MRI department or your doctor at least 3 days prior to your appointment date. 

An MRI scan usually takes 20-45 minutes. If you are receiving IV contrast, the MRI can take over an hour. We do our best to stay on schedule, but your appointment may be delayed in the event of an emergency patient taking priority. We apologize for any inconvenience.
 

An MRI scanner looks like a long table connected to a long tube-shaped device called a gantry. A series of images are taken during your scan. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your safety. A locker will be provided for you to store your belongings. 

• You will be asked to complete an MRI safety screening questionnaire. If you are receiving an IV contrast, you will be asked to sign a consent form and the technologist will place a needle in your arm or hand. 
• You will be asked to lie down on the MRI scanner table, which slides into the machine when the scan is taken. It is important to hold still so your pictures are not blurry. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time depending on which part is being examined. 
• You will be provided ear plugs to protect your ears as the MRI machine is very noisy. The technologist doing your exam will communicate with you through an intercom and can see you through a window.
   

Most routine MRI exams do not require any post-exam care. You will be free to go home (if you are having sedation, please have someone drive you to and from your appointment). A technologist will report your exam and provide a copy to your physician. 

Abdomen MRI: examines the structures of the upper abdomen including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, aorta, gallbladder, stomach and small intestine. This exam will have specific instructions from your care provider. 

Arthrogram of a Joint MRI: examines the structures of the articular surfaces of the joint. This procedure is very long and is typically a two-part procedure. The exam will have specific instructions from your care provider. 

Bone or joint, Lower Body MRI: examines the structures of the lower limbs including the hip, femur, knee, tibia-fibula, ankle and foot. 

Bone or joint, Upper Body MRI: examines structures of the upper limbs including the shoulder, humerus, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. 

Head MRI: examines the structures of the head including the brain and the bony structures of the cranial vault. 

Pelvis MRI: examines the structures of the pelvis including the bladder, prostate, penis, uterus, ovaries and cervix. This exam may include specific instructions from your care provider.

Spine MRI: examines the structures of the spinal column including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments. 

Vascular MRI: examines the structures of the blood vessels. 

For questions about specific MRI scans, call us at 519-621-2333, x4968.