Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is digital imaging that produces images of tissues and organs in a patient’s body.

Radio waves and a powerful magnetic field are used to produce images of almost any part of your body. Doctors can use these images to help them diagnose certain conditions. An MRI is typically used as a second step to confirm or further evaluate results found on other images such as ultrasound or CT scans.

MRI is especially useful for diagnosing diseases and conditions in soft tissues, such as:

Nerve and spinal cord problems
Assessment for tumours
Muscle and tendon tears
Joint injuries
Abnormal heart activity
Bleeding or aneurysms
Infections and abscesses, especially in bones
Abnormalities in blood vessels

Preparing for the test

Please arrive early to give yourself time to check in. Please bring with you photo identification and your BC Care Card (personal health number).

Our staff will speak with you in English. If you are not fluent in English, please bring an adult interpreter with you who is able to stay for the entire test.

If you are not able to keep your appointment, please call the department right away. By giving us at least 24 hours notice we are able to use your time slot for another patient. We will try to give you another date and time for your test when you call.

Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or aftershave to your appointment. Some people are allergic to fragrance ingredients and can suffer severe reactions.

On the day of the test

Before your exam starts, an MRI technologist will review the safety screening questions with you. The tech will make sure that you have no other conditions that would prevent you from having an MRI. After the tech has reviewed the screening form, you will go to a change room to change into a hospital gown and remove all electronic and metal objects. A safe locker will be provided for your belongings.

When you are ready for your exam, the technologist will bring you into the MRI scan room. The technologist will help position you on the scan bed to get the best images possible. For many exams, an MRI camera, known as a ‘coil’, is positioned around the body part being scanned.

The machine is extremely loud and emits a number of different noises during the exam while it produces the images. These noises could cause hearing damage if no hearing protection is used. The technologist will give you either earplugs or headphones. This will provide hearing protection and reduce the noise to a safe level for you.

Once all the equipment is set up and you are ready for your exam, the technologist will move you into the machine and then position you so the body part being scanned is in the centre of the machine. The tech will then step into the control room to operate the machine. Throughout the scan, the technologist will keep an eye on your progress and occasionally check on you using the intercom.

MRI scans are quite long, usually 30-60 minutes, but some scans may be two hours or longer. It is important to hold still and stay as relaxed as possible, as motion will affect the images and make them less helpful.

The MRI scanner is a powerful magnet. Most MRI scanners are approximately 10 000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field. It is important to ensure that nothing electronic or metallic is allowed into the scanner room without first clearing it for safety by the MRI technologist first.

Many implants may be scanned safely under certain conditions, but the technologist will need to assess each implant on a case by case basis. Certain scanners may not be able to meet the conditions needed for the implant. Some things that may mean an MRI exam shouldn't be performed include:
- Pacemaker
- Other electronic implant, such as a neurostimulator or pain pump
- Cochlear implants
- Aneurysm clips
- Any surgery within six weeks
- Continuous glucose monitors
- Eye injuries with metallic fragments or objects
If you have any of these, please contact Providence Health Care's MRI team. We can discuss any changes that may need to be made in order to accommodate your scan.

Metallic objects that are not secured or screened for MRI, such as jewelry or any clips or pins, could heat up during the MRI scan or become projectiles and fly into the MRI scanner. Because of this, you will be asked to remove any metallic or electronic objects from your person before your scan.

After the test

Complications and side effects

There are no known complications from exposure to the MRI magnet, and ionizing radiation is not used for MRI scans. After your MRI scan is completed, you can go about your day as you normally would.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let the technologist know before your exam.

There are no known risks associated with pregnancy and MRI. However, as the first trimester is a relatively sensitive time in the development of your baby, it is our policy to postpone non-urgent MRIs for women in that period. If you are or may be pregnant, we may delay your exam, or suggest an alternative type of diagnostic test.

Some MRI scans are performed using an IV injection of contrast. Contrast is an agent that helps us see your organs better. It helps to assess the function of different tissues and organs, and assess different diseases and conditions. MRI contrast is a sterile, aqueous solution that contains gadolinium, a rare earth metal. MRI contrast is not the same as the iodine-based contrast used in CT and angiography studies. Allergic reactions to MRI contrast are possible, but very rare.

If you have a scan with contrast, there are typically no aftercare instructions. Your body will flush the contrast out naturally into your urine within 24 hours. The contrast is colourless and odourless, so you will not notice it being flushed out. If you have impaired kidney function like kidney failure or are using renal dialysis, please let the technologist know before your contrast exam. This may affect the decision to administer contrast.
Studies have indicated that less than one per cent of the contrast excreted is found in breast milk. Of this contrast, less than one per cent is ingested by the infant. It is considered safe to continue to breastfeed after a contrast exam. If you have any concerns, you may stop breastfeeding for the 24 hours after your exam. During this time, express and discard any breast milk during this period. After 24 hours, your body will have flushed out all of the contrast and you may continue breastfeeding as normal.

Support for Indigenous Peoples

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Indigenous wellness services

The Indigenous Wellness Team at Providence is available to support Indigenous patients and their families. We are here to coordinate culturally safe wellness supports and services.

Overview Copy link to this section

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is digital imaging that produces images of tissues and organs in a patient’s body.

Preparing for the test Copy link to this section

On the day of the test Copy link to this section

After the test Copy link to this section