Information

TIME:		Most scans take 30 - 60 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scan.
DIET:		You may eat and drink as normal before your scan.
MEDICATION:		Continue to take all regular medication as prescribed, including pain relief.
CLOTHING:		We provide gowns for you to wear during your scan. Remove all metal objects (watches, jewellery, underwire bras, belts, etc) before entering the pre-scan check zone. Refer to MRI safety questionnaire in ‘down-loadable forms’ for details.
SCAN EXPERIENCE:		MRI scans are noisy. You will be given headphones to wear and may bring your own music on CD to listen to or a DVD to watch. It is quite common to experience a feeling of warmth during your scan.
INJECTIONS:		Only required if our doctors consider intravenous contrast necessary.
CONTRAST:		Given intravenously. Clear, colourless, and extremely safe (see contrast safety questionnaire). Often given in normal scans to improve diagnostic accuracy.
SEDATION:		Used in cases of patient claustrophobia. May be taken orally 50 minutes before your scan, or given intravenously at time of scan (see ‘sedation information & questionnaire’ in down-loadable forms). You will need to have someone you know accompany you and drive you home afterwards. Normal duties must not be resumed until the following day if you receive sedation.
FOR WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE:		1) MRI scans have not been proven to be safe in the first trimester of pregnancy. 2) Breast-feeding mothers have the option to express if they are likely to receive intravenous contrast or sedation. Please call us for advice if you are/ could be pregnant or are breast-feeding.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:		1) All relevant previous scans and reports. 2) Completed questionnaires and consent forms (downloaded or received by mail) 3) A caregiver / driver if you have been prescribed or are likely to receive sedation. 4) CD music to listen to whilst having your scan.