What To Expect During Your MRI
Getting an MRI at WELL Health Medical & Longevity Centre in Vancouver? You’re in good hands. Our client’s comfort and peace of mind is everything. We understand your concerns about medical diagnostic procedures and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your MRI.
When it comes to having an MRI, you may want some reassurance to provide you with a better picture of what to expect. Following are some of the frequently asked questions about an MRI, with answers from our team of experienced MRI technicians.
How does an MRI work?
Most people refer to this diagnostic tool by its acronym, MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. And that provides a hint as to how it works! MRI is a form of diagnostic imaging that uses a strong magnet and computer-generated radio waves to temporarily realign hydrogen molecules in the body. Does that sound a bit strange? Don’t worry, those hydrogen molecules return to their normal alignment, and when they do, they give off an energy that is captured by the MRI scanner to create cross-sectional images. Need a visual? Imagine a sliced loaf of bread, where you can see each piece, except in this case it’s your body in its entirety.
What does the technician see during an MRI?
MRI is a non-invasive way for our team to see your organs, tissues and skeletal system, which can help to diagnose a number of issues and for overall monitoring purposes.
What does an MRI machine look like?
Picture a large, cylinder-like tube surrounded by a circular magnet. There’s a movable table where our clients lie down on that slide into the centre of that tube, where the scanning is done. The MRI machine is open at both ends, are well-lit and generally cooled for your comfort.
Will I feel pain during an MRI?
None at all. There are no known biological effects to the body during an MRI.
What will I hear during the MRI?
You will hear loud tapping, thumping, and likely a few clunks when the images are being recorded. When available, we may offer protective headphones and can play relaxing music to help reduce the noise and ease your tension. The use of headphones during an MRI is dependent upon what part of your body is being scanned.
Why is an MRI so noisy?
It’s the radio frequencies generated that create the noises you will hear during your MRI. Those different frequencies are what cause the cells in your body to vibrate, assisting the capture of the MRI images.
Can I hear the MRI technician and can they hear me?
Absolutely. Our MRI technologists monitor you from a nearby room and can see you via cameras. They will verbally walk you through the entire procedure via an intercom. You’ll hear them and they will hear you. They will not be able to hear you as an image is being captured, but can hear you and speak with you between each scan.
What if I experience claustrophobia during my MRI?
Knowing that both ends of the MRI machine are open, and that this is an entirely safe test, we hope will give you some comfort as well. You’re in our good hands. If you struggle with claustrophobia and feel you may have challenges during your MRI, please let us know before your procedure. Our experienced MRI technologists have many helpful techniques to help guide you through your scan.
What if I panic during the MRI?
We’ve got you. If you panic or feel unsteady, you will have a call button you can press to indicate you need assistance. Our technicians can stop your scan and allow you to sit up, take a breath, and relax for a moment. Please be aware the MRI machine is often in demand for multiple clients each day. Should you request to pause your scan frequently or for a prolonged period of time, we may need to stop and reschedule an additional appointment for you to return. We want to ensure we honour other client’s scheduled appointments.
Do I have to lie perfectly still during my MRI?
We do require you to lie still and at times you will be asked to hold your breath for brief moments so our technicians can capture imagery that is clear, not blurry. Don’t worry - our MRI technicians will make sure to communicate what is needed.
Do I need to remove all jewelry, even my wedding ring for my MRI?
Yes! This is essential for safety during an MRI. We ask that you leave your jewelry safely at home, if possible. Even entering the examination room with metals is a risk. Remember that includes hairclips or pins, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, and of course mobile phones. Our technologist will screen you prior to your MRI to ensure no metal items have been forgotten.
Can I get an MRI if I have metal in my body from a previous surgery, fillings, etc?
Let our team know at the time of booking if you have any medical or electronic devices in your body and we will assess and advise. In some cases, we may need surgical records or prior scans to confirm if it’s safe to proceed, so alerting our team early will help ensure a smooth experience without delays. Generally speaking, if it’s something metal in your body, it will be fine but discussing it in advance with your MRI technician is important.
Will there be dye injected for my MRI?
On your requisition form, your doctor may ask for a special dye be used. This is called a contrast agent. The substance we use is composed of Gadolidium; it’s a natural occurring substance that is magnetic - so when injected, it shows a clear picture of your blood vessels. An IV may be inserted at the start of your test, and the dye will then be injected just before the final sequence of your MRI scans.
What do you wear for an MRI?
We provide gowns for our clients and private change areas where you can leave your clothes and personal items safely in lockers.
What time should I arrive for my MRI?
Arriving 15 minutes ahead of your appointment should allow time for paperwork and preparation. If you believe you may want or need more time, please feel free to arrive a bit earlier.
Is there a weight limit for a person to experience an MRI?
Usually there is a limit of 350 pounds. In addition to weight, there are width and length restrictions as well. Please speak with our team before scheduling your appointment if you are concerned you may have a challenge.
How long does an MRI take?
Most MRI appointments at WELL Health & Longevity Centre will take between 30 to 45 minutes. For clients having a full body MRI, it will take approximately 90 - 120 minutes to complete.
Need an MRI? WELL Health Medical & Longevity Centre in Vancouver offers state-of-the-art medical diagnostics including the most powerful MRI available, providing double the resolution
of conventional MRIs.