LATEST NEWS    |    STAFF SECTION    |    CAREERS    |    CONTACT US    |    PATIENT SURGERY TRACKER    |    VIEW ED WAIT TIME

GBGH Switchboard 705-526-1300
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

WHAT IS AN MRI SCAN?
MRI scans use a powerful magnet, radiofrequency waves, and a computer to create cross-sectional images of internal organs and structures. It does not use ionizing radiation as both x-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans do. The scanner resembles a large tube that is always open at both ends. You will lie on a table that will then move the area of your body to be scanned into the middle of the tube. You can expect most of your body to go inside the MRI scanner.

WHERE DO I GET AN MRI SCAN?
Georgian Bay General Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department is located on the main level just past the switchboard and near the Emergency Department.

HOW LONG DOES AN MRI SCAN TAKE?
Depending on the test, most scans are completed in approximately 20-30 minutes, but some can extend up to 1 hour. Emergency patients take precedence and may cause delays; however, we do our best to remain on schedule.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify us by telephone immediately.
GBGH Diagnostic Imaging Reception: 705-526-1300 x 5090


BEFORE AN MRI SCAN
You must be free of metal for your test, including jewelry and piercings. All
patients will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the exam. An MRI
Technologist will verbally review your past surgical history to ensure your
safety in the magnetic field.  If you are
unable to do so, please ensure a family member is present to do so.

IMPLANTS
Implants include a variety of devices that may be inserted in the body to treat
or monitor several health concerns. They include, but are not limited to,
aneurysm clips or coils, stents, neurostimulators, orthopedic implants (such a
hip or knee replacement) and cochlear implants.

It is critical that your MRI screening questions are completed with your ordering doctor prior to GBGH receiving your requisition to prevent delays in bookings. It is also important that you provide your entire surgical history in order for the technologist to have adequate time to research any possible implants. Most implants can be safely scanned in MRI; however, many require additional research in order to determine how to scan them safely. If you have an implant card pertaining to any implants within your body, please inform the booking clerk when they call with your appointment details and bring it to your appointment. 

There are a few implants that cannot be scanned at GBGH and this is why it so important
to disclose implant information early on in the booking process to avoid
delays/cancellation of your appointment.

Current models of glucose monitors do not need to be removed prior to MRI but some
older models do. If you have a glucose monitor, please ensure you bring the
make/model number to your appointment and be prepared to potentially remove it.

SEDATION
If you have claustrophobia, a fear of confined spaces, please discuss sedation
with your doctor prior to your MRI appointment. (Sedation will not be provided
at GBGH). Please allow the appropriate amount of time for your sedation to take
effect. You MUST have a driver present to drive you home.

PREGNANCY
If you are pregnant (or think you might be), please call the MRI department to
discuss your test with a MRI technologist. Most MRI scans are completely safe
for pregnant patients but some concerns need to be addressed prior to your
appointment.

SCAN PREPARATION
Please follow any preparation instructions given to you by the booking
clerk. These instructions may include:
1. Your test might require you to have nothing to eat or drink for 4 HOURS before your appointment time. 
2. You may receive an intravenous (IV) line put into a large vein in your arm. This line will be used to give you a dye (contrast) as determined by the Radiologist. This dye is not the same as
CT dye. An allergy to CT dye does not necessarily indicate that you would
experience an allergy to MRI dye.

For MRI Enterography Studies:
1. You will be asked to have
nothing to eat or drink for 4 HOURS before your appointment time.
2. Your test requires you to bring
2 litres of chilled apple or cranberry juice with you.  Please do not drink it prior to arrival. 
3. You will be asked to arrive 2
hours prior to your appointment and you can expect to be here for 2.5-3 hours.

For MRI Prostate Studies: 
Your test requires you to avoid any solid foods or dairy products for 8 hours before your exam. You may have clear fluids only during this time.

DURING THE MRI SCAN
You will lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner’s open-ended tube. The table will be moved to position the area being scanned in the center. The scanner will make loud, knocking or clicking sounds as it takes images. You will be given earplugs and headphones to protect your hearing. It is important to remain as still as possible during the scan, as movement can distort the images. You may be instructed to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time, depending on the body part being scanned. The technologist will be able to see and communicate with you throughout the scan via an intercom. You can also use a squeeze button to alert them if you have any concerns.

MRI scans vary in length and may take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour long to finish.

AFTER THE MRI SCAN
If you received dye as part of your scan, you will be asked to remain in the department for 15 minutes after your injection.

Results from the Radiologist will be sent to your ordering Physician to discuss with you.