MRI (or Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce very detailed images of the organs in your body. MRI scanners are excellent for viewing soft tissues and organs in your body (e.g. your brain, muscles, spine, joints and other organs). MRI scanners do not use X-ray radiation and are safe for adults and children of all ages, including during pregnancy.

Before starting your scan, a radiographer, who is a healthcare professional trained in performing MRI scans, will interview you about your medical history and check for metal implants that you may have in your body to ensure they are safe to be near the MRI magnet. Depending on the requirements of your MRI scan, you may also be injected with a special dye to help identify certain organs and tissues more clearly.

MRI machines produce noise during the scan. To ensure your comfort during the scan, the radiographer will provide you a pair of headphones to block out any excessive noise from the machine. We will be able to play music through these headphones to help you through the scan.

MRI scanners are large barrel-shaped machines with a hole through the middle. During your scan, you will lie down on a bed which will move through the hole of the scanner. There is soft lighting and ventilation in the tunnel of the scanner to keep you comfortable during the scan. Your MRI can take between 30 to 60 minutes to complete and it is important for you to keep still during the scan as any movement will reduce image quality.

If you have any concerns, such as claustrophobia or pain which will prevent you from remaining still for an extended period of time, please let us know before your appointment and our friendly team will do our best to tailor the exam to accommodate your needs.

MRI scans do not present a radiation hazard as there are no X-rays involved in your scan. However, MRI scanners produce a very strong magnetic field presenting a hazard for some metal implants and medical devices such as pacemakers. To ensure your safety, our radiographers will go through a safety screening process with you for any metal implants, fragments or devices which may pose a safety risk or interfere with the exam.

Preparation for MRI varies depending on the type of MRI scan requested. Our team will contact you in the week leading up to your appointment to confirm preparation instructions.

Please contact the Imaging team on (03) 8405 9600 for further information.

Each time you attend a Medical Imaging appointment, please bring the following items.

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card (if you have one)
• Private Health Insurance card (if you want to use it)
• List of medications you currently take (including those without a prescription)
• X-ray films, scans or other relevant test results
• Concession Card (if applicable)
• Adverse Drug Reaction Card (if you have one)