Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a unique radiology technique that generates detailed images (or scans) of the body using powerful magnets, radio waves, and computer technology. It can detect small changes in the body’s structures, allowing for accurate diagnosis and close monitoring of different medical conditions.
MRI can be used to examine every body part, including the bones, soft tissue (blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles), and the brain. It does not use X-rays.
Useful Information
MRI precautions
- If you are having MRCP, please avoid food or drinks for 6 hours prior to the examination. Regular medication can still be taken with small amounts of plain water.
- If you are having an MRI of the upper abdomen, whole abdomen, or whole body screening, please avoid food for 4 hours prior to the examination. Drinking a small amount of plain water is allowed.
- Eye makeup, colored or cosmetic contact lenses may be ferromagnetic and should be avoided on the day of examination.
- If you are or may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, please notify your referring doctor and the radiographer.
Before an MRI scan
- Please provide previous medical films and reports such as CT, MRI or ultrasound for reference.
- When you arrive for your examination, you will be asked to change into clothes provided by us to ensure there are no ferromagnetic items on your clothes. For female patients, please kindly remove your bra as well since there may be metallic wires inside.
- Please remove all metal items, including jewellery, dentures and hairpins, as they might affect MRI scan images.
- For your own safety, it is advised that you should inform our staff before the examination if you have:
- cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, cochlear implants, neurostimulators or prosthetic heart valves;
- intravascular coils, filters or stents;
- automated insulin pumps or internal shunts;
- surgical clips, orthopaedic devices, e.g. screws, plates, wires or any foreign metallic objects inside your body;
- intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), dentures or hearing aids;
- ever been allergic to gadolinium;
- impaired kidney function;
- claustrophobia;
- any history of asthma.
Special preparation for a cardiac MRI scan
- Do not consume alcohol, tea, chocolate, coffee, caffeinated or banana products for 24 hours before the examination.
- Please withhold Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers on the day before the examination.
- Please allow 90 minutes for this examination.
- Please follow the instructions to hold your breath for around 20 seconds and repeat it several times during the examination.