MRI - Frequently Asked Questions
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Preparation
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On the day of your MRI scan, you should be able to eat, drink and take any medication as usual, unless you're advised otherwise.
Some MRI scans requires fasting, you will be given instructions to not drink/eat anything for up to 4-6 hours before the scan. You will be informed by clinic staff a day before your scan for such cases that requires fasting.
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When you arrive at the Centre, you will be registered in the front desk, present your NRIC and Referral form for registration and financial counselling.
After Registration, staff nurse/MRI Radiographer will let you fill up the MRI Safety form. You will be asked about your health and medical history. This helps the medical staff to ensure you have the scan safely.
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Once you have completed the MRI Safety Form, you will be asked to give your signed consent for the MRI scan to go ahead.
You will be instructed to change to our patient gown before proceeding to the MRI scan.
As the MRI scanner produces strong magnetic fields, it's important to remove any metal objects from your body. You will be given a locker to keep your important belongings and your clothes.
These include:
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Jewellery, such as earrings, necklaces, watch
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piercings, such as ear, nipple, belly rings, nose rings
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dentures (false teeth)
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wigs (some wigs contain traces of metal)
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Inform MRI Radiographer if you have a fresh tattoo installed and magnetic eye lashes
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Inform MRI Radiographer if you have any history of metal chip accident that was unremovable in your eye area.
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During Your MRI Exam
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You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear.
You will be instructed to lie down in the MRI table/bed.
You will be given an EMERGENCY CALL BELL, to squeeze in case you need emergency, help or attention.
You'll enter the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on the part of your body being scanned.
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It is very important to keep the part of your body being scanned to be very still throughout the whole scan.
Some Scans will require breathing instructions, you may be asked to hold your breath during short scans.
Depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken, the whole procedure will take 15 to 30 minutes.
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Why does MRI make so much noise?
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Noise is the byproduct of electrical pulses within the MRI scanner. These electrical pulses produce the images. You will be provided with ear plugs to reduce the noise and make your experience more comfortable.
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Can I have a copy of my images to take home with me?
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Yes you can.
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What if i have a claustrophobia?
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If you're claustrophobic, you can ask for a mild sedative to help you relax. You should ask your referring doctor for the sedative medication.
If you prefer to have a sedation during the scan, we can arrange an anaesthesiology doctor for you. You should inform us ahead of time so we can inform the Anaesthesiologists that will attend for you during MRI scan w/sedation.
Ear plugs/Head phones will be given to you before you lie down on the MRI table.