What to bring on the day of your MRI scan
- Any recent exam related to the reason for your referral
- Previous imaging exams of the same body area
- A medical note from the referring doctor stating the reason for the examination
- The referral form issued by your physician
- Any prescribed medication and your creatinine test result, if contrast medium is to be used
- Any form of identification document (e.g., ID card, passport, driver’s license) and your social security number
How is the scan performed
To ensure maximum safety, you will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire prior to your scan. Due to the strong magnetic field, you must remove all metallic items before entering the MRI room (e.g., jewelry, belts, hearing aids, glasses, removable dental prostheses). You will then lie on your back on a narrow examination table that slides into a circular scanner. Once the scan begins, you will hear a loud humming noise, and the technologist will be able to communicate with you throughout the procedure via intercom.
Depending on the body area examined, the total duration of the scan may range from 15 to 90 minutes.
How to prepare
If an intravenous contrast medium will be administered, you must undergo a creatinine blood test within the last 30 days prior to your MRI if any of the following apply:
- You are over 65 years of age
- You have a history of kidney disease
- You are on medication for diabetes or hypertension
If you wish, the blood test can be performed on the day of your appointment at Metropolitan Hospital, but please note it requires one hour for the results to be issued from the time the sample is taken.
We recommend wearing clothing and accessories (e.g., jewelry) that are easy to remove.
- If you suffer from claustrophobia
Ask your doctor to prescribe you an anxiolytic medication for the day of the scan.
You may also contact the Radiology – Medical Imaging Department at 210 4807082 (08:00–16:00) to inquire about the possibility of sedation. - If you are allergic
If you have had a previous allergic reaction to an MRI contrast agent, you must contact the Radiology – Medical Imaging Department at 210 4807082.
Your doctor may prescribe a preventive medication protocol. A typical example:
- 12 hours before the scan: 2 tablets Medrol 16mg
- 2 hours before the scan: 2 tablets Medrol 16mg
- 1 hour before the scan: 1 tablet Zirtek 5mg
- If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator
You can undergo the scan only if the device is MRI-conditional (compatible with MRI scanners). However, the device must be checked and properly programmed beforehand.
Please call 210 4809171 (08:00–14:00) to schedule this procedure. - ONLY for MRI of the ABDOMINAL AREA
(e.g., upper/lower abdomen, prostate, rectal protocol, proctography, pyelography)
You must be FASTING for 4 hours before the scan. You may take your regular medication at the usual time only with clear fluids (e.g., water, apple juice).
When to arrive
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any required paperwork. If you plan to use your private insurance, you may need to arrive well in advance of your appointment time.
After your scan
You may return to your normal activities after the procedure. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the contrast agent from your system.
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, its settings must be restored after the scan.
When and how to receive your results
On the day of your examination, the reception will inform you of the expected date your results will be ready. The report will be sent to the email you provide, and you can also access your report and images through the My Ygeia app.