MRI scans are advanced investigations that help doctors make a diagnosis or assess the effects of treatment. Your doctor will recommend an MRI scan based on the type of disease you have and the information required for treatment.

A child will probably require a sedative before the MRI exam. The sedative will be administered at the MRI Center before the scan. Arrive approximately one hour before the child's scheduled appointment. Young children should be kept awake late on the night prior to the exam and awakened early in the morning on the day of their exam. Sedation is often more effective if a child is tired.

Usually there is no special preparation for an MRI scan. You may eat and drink before and after the scan, unless you have been told otherwise. The only exception is an MRCP(Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography) test which may require 4-6 hours of fasting prior to the study.

An injection of contrast medium (dye) may be given into a vein. Though not always necessary, it can provide additional information in some cases. As with any medication, a very small number of patients may be allergic to contrast medium. Please inform the Radiographer if you have any allergies. Fasting for about two hours may be required before contrast study.

Upon arrival at the centre, you can hand over the prescription and previous treatment records to our front office staff who will then do the registration. It is advisable to wear clothing without metal fastenings. Alternatively we can provide a hospital gown or pyjama.

You will not be allowed to take or wear anything metallic or with magnetic strips into the scan room. A locker is provided for your valuables. You can hand over the key to the Radiographer or to the person accompanying you, as it is metallic. You will also be required to fill in a questionnaire about your health and medical history, and asked to sign a consent form.

Although the scanner is open at both ends, some people may find this claustrophobic. If you are worried about this, please inform our front office. Our Radiographer will take special care to make you comfortable. Upon request, a friend or relative is allowed to accompany you into the MR room during your scan.

No, the scan isn't painful. However, you will have to lie still for up to 15-20 minutes on a table. You may also be asked to briefly hold your breath for some special studies. If you have any pain or discomfort that could lead to difficulties with the scan, please inform the Radiographer before your scan.

The scanner produces a variety of loud noises, which are produced by magnetic coils that switch on and off during the scan. These coils measure the signal coming from your body in order to make the images. Because these coils are switched on and off rapidly, they vibrate and cause the noise you hear. Earplugs will help reduce this.

The Radiographers will do their best to make you comfortable during the scan. Radiographer will be able to see you from the control room and you can communicate with each other through an intercom, especially if you are anxious.

Our new generation state of the art MRI scanner takes quite a short time for most studies. Scans usually last between fifteen and twenty minutes. If your scan is going to take longer, you will be informed about this.

We suggest that you arrive on time for your appointment, as your delay may result in the disruption in the service to others. If you are going to be late or can't keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.

You may eat ,drink and drive as usual. There are no side effects to the MRI scan itself. Front office staff will assist in the payment process and intimate the time at which the report will be ready.