3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI
Gympie Radiology is proud to introduce the latest in MRI imaging technology. The 3T GE Signa Pioneer is the first of its kind to be installed in Australia. This cutting edge technology has several advantages.
- 3T magnetic field strength. This increases image detail for more accurate diagnosis and advanced applications, such as Prostate MRI
- Reduced noise with SilentSuite. Noise is reduced to 3dB of scan room ambient noise. Conventional MRI usually has an ear-splitting 91dB. For most patients with this scanner, no outside noise is heard
- Faster scan times. With the new MAGiC sequence, a single sequence can now replace multiple traditional sequences. This reduces scan times by up to 50%.
- Wide bore technology. In combination with motion correction software and free patient breathing, anxiety is reduced for patients that suffer from claustrophobia
- No radiation
- No known health risks
Most Specialist and many GP MRI referrals can be bulk billed at Gympie Radiology if they meet Medicare eligibility criteria. Our reception staff will inform you of any associated fees at the time of your booking.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet and radiofrequency to obtain extremely detailed cross sectional images of the body. MRI is now the preferred method for assessing many parts of the body, including the brain, joints and spine.
A "receiver coil" device is placed around the part of the body to be scanned. The coil acts as an antenna, directing focused radio energy to that area. The MR computer reads the radio waves leaving the body and processes them into digital picture form - images.
All MRI's performed at Gympie Radiology are reported by RANZCR accredited Radiologists.
Preparing for your examination
Please be aware that all MRI scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange an appointment time.
What to bring
- A referral from your GP or specialist
- Medicare card
- Pension/concession card
- Previous films from other clinics relating to the area being scanned with us
In most cases, no advance preparation is required. Eat normally and take any medication as usual, unless your doctor or Gympie Radiology staff have given you other instructions. Please tell us if you have a cardiac pacemaker, ear or cochlear implants, an aneurysm clip, drug infusion pump, nuerostimulator or if you are pregnant.
Reasons for an MRI
An MRI offers a safe and efficient method for medical diagnosis of many conditions, using a very strong superconducting electromagnet instead of x-rays. Common body regions where MRI is readily used:
- Brain
- Paranasal Sinuses
- Neck
- Spine
- Breast
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Joints
Benefits for MRI at Gympie Radiology include:
- 3T magnetic field strength
- Reduced noise with SilentSuite
- Faster scan times
-
Wide bore technology
What to expect
All patients undergoing an MRI must fill out an MRI questionnaire to obtain medical information. This information is important to ensure you are suitable for the scan.
Most patients are provided with a gown. All loose objects must be removed from your pockets i.e. phone, keys and wallet before you can enter the scan room. You will be asked to also remove:
- Your watch
- Credit cards
- Dentures
- Hearing aids
- Any metal objects which could be affected by the magnetic field
This is because the strong magnetic fields can cause these objects to become safety hazards, and also affect the quality of your scan. The MRI will also erase any cards with magnetic strips, such as your bank or credit cards.
All medically implanted devices need to be assessed and cleared by the technologist and doctor before you can enter the MRI scan room.
In the imaging room, you will be positioned on a padded table which will align the area of your body being imaged to the middle of the scanner. A device called a coil may be placed over the area being examined. This acts as a receiver for the radio waves produced by the MRI machine. We will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible. It is very important that you remain relaxed and still while we are scanning. Each body part takes approximately 20 minutes to scan.
During the examination you may feel a slight vibration through your body. Headphones are provided with an assortment of music to help you relax. Throughout your exam, you will be able to hear and speak to your technologist via an intercom.
A few examinations require an intravenous contrast agent. This is given as an injection during the study. It is important to tell your doctor and the Gympie Radiology staff if you have suffered a reaction to MRI contrast in the past, have diabetes or kidney problems.
There are circumstances under which MRI imaging should not be done, and other circumstances which call for precautions. Before your exam, you will be asked if you are pregnant or if you have any metal in your body. You must tell us if you have a cardiac pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clips, an insulin pump, or other infusion pump, cochlear (inner ear) implant, neurostimulator, or any other metal in the body, especially your eyes.
When can you get your results?
The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Gympie Radiology our highly trained and qualified Radiologists interpret the images and provides a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider within 24 hours, although usually in a couple of hours depending on the complexity of the scan.
You will be able to take your images on the day or collect them at a time that is convenient for you. You may need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner.
We invite you to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination