Explanation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to scan the body. There is no radiation involved. This imaging method produces a series of cross-sectional pictures. Raffles Hospital uses this state-of-the-art scanners to take crystal clear pictures of your body. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.

Areas of the body which may undergo an MRI scan include the head, chest, abdomen, vital organs, joints, spine or extremities such as hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Our highly sophisticated scanners also have capability to diagnose diseases of blood vessels in the brain, neck, and body.

Preparation

Safety

All of our equipment is maintained in top condition and undergo regular maintenance and servicing. Even though MRI is very safe, it is important to tell the technologist if there is a chance you could be pregnant. There is no evidence that MRI is unsafe for a developing fetus; however, we are still careful in the use of MRI on pregnant patients.

Surgical Implants

Patients with any kind of metallic implant anywhere in their body should not have an MRI unless their physician is fully aware of the device and has approved the MRI procedure. Under no circumstances should a patient who has a pacemaker have an MRI.

Medications

Please take your medications as per normal.

Food And Drink

You may eat or drink anything you like before a typical MRI test.

When To Arrive

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any necessary paperwork, change your clothes for your scan and answer questions from our technologist about your medical history before we start your scan.

Clothing/Metallic Objects

For all MRI scans, it is best if you leave valuable items at home. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, glasses, or hearing aids we will ask you to remove them. You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card. Patients who are having a brain scan should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.

Process

Intravenous Preparation

You may require an IV injection of contrast medium during the scan. Our technologist will inform you if this is required.

Scanning

Your technologist will then bring you into the MRI scan room and lay you on the table. You will not feel anything during the scan. The MRI machine makes loud noises when it scans so we recommend you wear ears plugs to muffle the sound.

Length of Scan

Each MRI scan is individualized and tailored to each patient's needs.

Contrast Medium

Contrast mediums, or agents, (sometimes called dyes) highlight your organs and blood vessels and help the radiologist see them better. The contrast material is very safe and adverse reaction is extremely rare. In fact, most patients will feel nothing at all during or after the injection.

After The Scan

You can proceed you as usual with no restrictions.

Results

We understand rapid results are important.

Services Available:

• 1.5T scanner is able to acquire high quality sectional images of any part of the body at any orthogonal plane
• MR angiography