MAGNETIC RESONANCE

Your treating physician has recommended a Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to find out more about your condition. The following information will help you learn more about the examination procedure and will answer any questions you may have. Our personnel is always available to reply to any additional questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to ask us.

General information on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an important, painless diagnostic medical examination that does not use radiation and allows radiologists to see inside areas of the body that cannot be seen using conventional x-rays. MRI technology has advanced so much in recent years that it has greatly altered treatment courses. Many conditions can be detected at an early stage resulting in timely prognosis and prevention. 

REA Hospital uses a high-tech, high resolution and high definition, open MRI Scanner for the best body imaging. Parts of the body that can be examined using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging include the head, thorax, abdomen, vital organs, joints, spine, upper and lower limbs. Our high-tech MRI Scanner can also detect blood vessel diseases in the brain, neck and whole body.

Our equipment is maintained in perfect condition, complying with the standards determined by Law and REA’s articles of association. MRI Scanners do not x-rays but a strong magnet and radio frequency. Even under such conditions, it is important to mention the possibility of pregnancy to the Technologist of the Department. There is currently no evidence on whether MRI scanner can affect the developing fetus, but we are still very cautious with their use on pregnant women.

Surgical Implants
Patients with any kind of metal implants in any part of their body should not proceed with an MRI, unless their treating physician is fully aware of the metal type and properties and has pre-approved the MRI procedure. The same applies to people with tattoos or permanent makeup.

Pacemakers
A patient with a pacemaker must not proceed with an MRI under no circumstances. Such patients must also avoid being present in the MRI department.

Preparations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Medications
It is important to keep your medication schedule. You should take all necessary medication according to your doctor’s instructions. Just inform REA’s personnel for any medication you may have taken before your examination.

Food and drink
You are allowed to eat or drink before an MRI Scan. If the examination will be for the abdominal area you may not be allowed to eat before the examination. An MRI staff member will call you a day before your scheduled examination and give you all the necessary information.

When to arrive
You must be to our department 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to allow time for getting you medical history and wear appropriate REA clothing required for the examination.

What to wear
For all MRI scans you will probably need to wear special clothing provided by REA. It would be better to leave any valuable items at home. In case you are wearing any metal items, like jewellery, dentures, eyeglasses or hearing aids, you will be asked to take them off. You should not carry with you any credit cards or cell phones because the MRI Scanner may destroy their magnetic stripe. Patients who are having a brain or head MRI should not wear make-up as some cosmetic products may contain metal. All you personal items will be safely kept.

Intravenous Preparation
An intravenous contrasting medium may be used during the examination. The technologists will have made all necessary preparations.

The examination
Personnel of REA’s MRI Department will take you to the examination room, where you will lie on a special bed. Your body will be positioned with the part of your body to be scanned, in the middle of the open cylindrical magnet. The magnet will not touch you, nor will you feel the magnetic field. Because of the loud noise of the scanner during the examination you may use earplugs to lessen the sound or headphones to listen to music that will be provided by us.

The Technologist will be in a special room outside of the examination room but they will be in full communication and visual contact with you. You will be asked to remain still and briefly hold your breath. Every MRI scan is individual, tailored to each patient’s needs. There are no restrictions after the MRI exam and you can go on with your normal activities. If an intravenous contrast medium has been used, we recommend the patient to drink plenty of fluids, like water and juices, except for drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging

REA Hospital provides a wide range of diagnostic services for breast cancer prevention and treatment. For more information please contact REA Breast Center. All MRIs are assessed by a Doctor-Radiologist, specialized in MRI scans. Most results are available for the patient within 2 hours.