Eat normally, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Children and infants requiring sedation should not eat or drink four (4) hours before the test.
If you are on medication, continue as usual.
You will be asked about your medical history.
You should inform the technician if you have a posthetic hip, or any other internal implants.
You will not be allowed to have the MRI test if you have any of the following:
pacemaker, neurostimulators,ear implants,any metal clips in the eyes.
In most cases surgical staples,plates,pins and screws pose no risk if they have been in place for more than four to sx weeks.
If you've ever had a bullet or shapnel in your body, or ever worked with metal and there's any question about internal fragments, you may be asked to have an X-ray to detect any such objects.
You should inform the technician if you are pregnant. MRI scans are only conducted on preganant women in emergency or critical situations.
Tooth fillings are usually not affected by the magnetic field, but they may distort images of the facial area or brain, so the radiologist should be told of them. The same is true for braces, which may make it hard to tune the MRI unit to your body
After the MRI test is explained, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will also be asked to remove objects such as jewellery, watches,piercings, hairpins,glasses,wigs ( if containing metal) , hearing aids and non permanent dentures that may degrade the MRI image of the head.
You may be required to change into a hospital gown. If you are allowed to wear your own clothes, you will be required to empty your pockets of all objects
The total examination time ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes
You will be positioned comfortably by the MRI technician on the examination table. This table will slide under a magnet which maybe a few inches from your face, depending on the type of examination. You will need to remain as still as possible without moving.
The entire process is painless and you will hear a knocking pattern , earplugs may help. You can select radio music be played while the test is proceeding.
Immediately after the test, the images will be reviewed. If more images are needed, they will be obtained as soon as possible.
NOTE : Generally for most exams, there is no need to inject the patient, however in some cases, a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the quality of some images. All contrast agents used are approved by the FA and are considered safe
You will be informed of your test results, which will be within 24 hours..
You will be given your own hard copy of the film and you can request a complimentary CD if you request it.
St.Clair MRI Centre is proud of its high quality images and of the priority it gives to client satisfaction.
This fact together with the unbeatable experience of our MRI- trained staff. makes us the best providers of this service in Trinidad and Tobago.
St.Clair MRI Centre is also one of the few places in the country , best placed to offer you the most advanced software and technology.
