Patient Information
Deciding if and where to have an MRI is an important decision to be made between yourself and your GP or Specialist. CMI provides the critical elements to ensure that your scan is of the highest image quality, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. Our commitment to you, as our patient, is to provide you with an experience that leaves you feeling well cared for and anxiety-free.
In order to facilitate a conversation with your physician regarding a potential MRI scan, please print out the following Physician Information Package for your physician and take it with you on your next office visit. Or if you prefer, please email us with your physician’s contact information and we will be sure to have a package sent out to them right away.
The Physician Information Package provides important information regarding our technology & protocols, the referral process and other significant points to assist your physician in initiating the process of referring you for an MRI.
The following information may be helpful for you to review in consideration of having an MRI.
Understanding MRIs
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful, non-invasive techniques in diagnostic medicine. Instead of using radiation, MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology to generate detailed three-dimensional images of body tissue and anatomy.
What are the clinical uses of MRI?
MRI is able to reveal injury or damage to soft tissue and bony structures. Through it’s sophisticated ability to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy or pathalogic tissue, MRI is a reliable way to diagnose cancer, brain, neurological, spine disc & nerve abnormalities, as well as joint and muscle problems which may not be detectable by other diagnostic methods.
A particular advantage of MRI is its ability to identify and localize problems at a much earlier stage of development, due to its increased sensitivity to differences among tissues. The appropriate treatment can therefore begin sooner, with greater certainty and with more favourable outcomes and fewer complications.
Is MRI Safe?
MRI is far safer than X Ray or CT scans because it doesn’t expose the patient to any ionizing radiation. The examination is pain-free and does not require any special preparations.
Depending on the kind of information your doctor requires, your MRI scan may require the use of a contrast-agent given intravenously to assist in the visualization of certain structures in your body.
MRI provides a safe alternative to invasive and ionizing imaging or exploratory surgery.
What can I expect during my scan?
The MRI scan is painless and non-invasive. Each scan typically takes between 30-45 minutes.
During your scan you will be in constant communication with one of our specialized technologists. To begin, you will be comfortably positioned on a special table and then a device called a “coil” may be placed over or under you. These coils help the machine produce the most detailed and clear images of a specific body area. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will slide into the space into the center of the magnet.
The bore, or tunnel, of our scanner has two special features not found with other machines. The first is that it is exceptionally wide, alleviating any feelings of being in a confined space. The second is that the length of the bore is only 4 feet, which means that for over 60% of the exams, your head will remain outside of the machine.
The technologist will then step into the control room and will remain in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom. While the scanner is producing the images, you will hear a repetitive, rhythmic sound. This is easily alleviated by wearing your choice of earplugs or headphones, so please feel free to bring in your favourite CD or MP3 player, if music is your preference. Other than the sound, the MRI causes no other bodily sensation.
You will be asked to hold very still & relax and, in some cases, hold your breath for short periods of time to ensure clear, defined images. When the exam is finished, our technologist will help you off of the table.
Can anyone be examined?
Certain objects are incompatible with the radio frequency waves and magnetic fields used during the scan.
While MRI is a safe and painless diagnostic procedure that can be performed on almost any patient, there are a few conditions which would prevent a patient from having an MRI scan. They include:
- Pacemaker
- Neuro-stimulator (tens-unit)
- Ferrous intracranial aneurysm clips
- Implanted drug infusion device
Our MRI personnel will question you thoroughly prior to your examination to ensure that you can be imaged safely. For a full list of potential contraindications please click here.
How do I schedule my exam?
To schedule an examination you must provide CMI with an MRI Patient Requisition Form signed and completed by your physician. This form is to be sent to CMI by fax at (604) 733-4424 or email at info@canmagnetic.com.
Upon receipt, by CMI, of the MRI Patient Requisition Form a CMI representative will contact you to schedule your appointment.
If you need to reschedule your exam, please make sure to call our office as soon as possible so that we may reschedule you for a later date. If you do not call to cancel 24 hours prior to your exam a cancellation fee may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here to review the most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about MRI. Or, if you prefer, please email us directly with your questions and we will be happy to personally answer your questions at our first available moment.
