• MRI is better for soft tissue imaging such as the brain, spines, and organs. It does not use radiation.
• CT often used in emergencies for checking injuries or chest problems or for looking at bones. It uses radiation.

The choice between the two depends on the clinical question, the body area being examined, and the urgency of the situation. Speak with your doctor to see which would be best for you.

• No, an MRI does not use radiation.
• Instead, it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of your body. This makes MRI a safer option when it comes to radiation exposure, especially for things like soft tissues (brain, muscles, organs).
• On the other hand, CT scans and X-rays use radiation to create images.
• So, if you’re concerned about radiation, an MRI is a good choice because it doesn’t involve any.

• No, an MRI is not like surgery.
• An MRI is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that it doesn’t require any cuts, needles, or surgeries. You simply lie on a table, and the MRI machine uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

• I can see how the idea of being inside a machine might feel a little unsettling, but it’s not quite like being in a coffin.
• During an MRI, you lie on a table that slides into a narrow, tube-like machine. It’s a tight space, but there’s usually enough room to move your arms and head. The machine is long, like a tunnel, but it’s open at both ends. Unlike a coffin, you’re not trapped or enclosed in a way that’s dangerous or permanent—you can easily leave the machine once the scan is done (a Panic button is given in the event you feel uncomfortable and wish to leave before the scan is complete).
• However, because of the small space and the loud noises the machine makes during the scan, some people with claustrophobia (fear of tight spaces) might feel uncomfortable. If you’re nervous about it, speak with an agent about Sedation and how it may assist you in getting your scan done.

Claustrophobia is the fear of being in small, tight spaces where you feel trapped and can’t easily get out. People with claustrophobia can feel nervous, anxious, or panicked when they’re in places that feel cramped or crowded.

• MRI contrast is a special dye or substance that’s used during an MRI scan to make certain parts of your body stand out more clearly on the images. It helps doctors see details more easily, like blood vessels, tumors, or inflammation.
• The contrast is usually injected into a vein, and it temporarily makes some tissues or areas of the body brighter or more visible, so the doctor can get a better look at what’s going on inside.
• In simple terms, MRI contrast is like a “highlight” that helps doctors see certain areas more clearly during an MRI scan.

The contrast used by NCI is mild enough to be used on newborn babies as such a blood test is not required to get the scan done.

Whether you need MRI contrast depends on what your doctor is trying to see or diagnose. Here’s how we decide if it’s necessary:

1. Type of Problem:
   • If you’re getting an MRI to check things like tumors, infections, or blood vessel issues, the contrast can help make these things more visible. For example, tumors can look different with contrast, making it easier for doctors to spot them.
2. Location of the Scan:
   • If the MRI is looking at areas like your brain, spine, or heart, contrast might be needed to highlight specific details that could be hard to see without it.

There will be some cases where the area needs to be reviewed before they can tell if the Contrast will be needed, however in this case you are always informed before the contrast is injected. (for more information on the MRI Contrast speak with an agent or visit resources).

• No, a blood test is generally not required to get an MRI. However, there are some situations where your doctor might ask for a blood test before scheduling an MRI, but these are not standard for all MRI procedures.
• If an MRI of the Prostate is requested then for the scan to be completed along with the request form from a Doctor you would also need your PSA results that should be no more than 3 months old.

In most cases, you don’t need to fast before an MRI. However, there are some situations where fasting may be required, depending on the type of MRI you’re having.

Here’s when you would be asked to fast:

• If you have an MRI of the Abdomen, Renal, Adrenal, MRCP.
• If you will be taking sedation to get your scan completed you will need to fast for 4 hours.
• If you are a child or infant taking sedation to get the scan completed you would need to fast for 4 hours leading up to the scan time.

• Sedation is the use of medication to help you relax or feel sleepy during a medical procedure. It can range from feeling a little drowsy to being completely asleep, depending on the level of sedation. The goal of sedation is to make you feel more comfortable, calm, and less anxious during procedures that might otherwise cause discomfort or stress.
• If you are claustrophobic then we recommend that you speak with your doctor about getting sedation to complete your scan.
  • Sedation can be taken orally (the doctor would prescribe the sedative and you would fill the prescription and bring the sedative along with you for your appointment).
• Please note that you should not take the sedation on your own or before your appointment. Take the sedative along with you and we will advise you when to take it.
  • Sedation can be given intravenously by a doctor, this method is normally used if oral sedation fails. You are free to use a doctor of your choice to complete the process however if this is done then the Doctor would need to stay with you for the duration of your scan. We can offer the services of a well trusted Doctor at an additional cost.
• Please note that you should not operate heavy machines 24 hours after taking sedation. We also require that you have someone accompany you for your appointment if you are taking sedation to assist you back home after the scan is complete.

After your MRI scan, you will receive a CD containing the images. The written results will be available the following day. These results will be sent directly to your doctor, and a copy will also be emailed to you. Additionally, you can collect a printed copy of the results at your convenience. To make the process smoother, please bring your receipt when picking up the printed copy.

In most cases, you should be able to drive after an MRI, as long as the scan doesn’t involve sedation or any medications that could affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.