MRI unit in PAH

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a significant breakthrough in medical technology that uses a strong magnetic field and radio-wave to allow physicians to explore the inner workings of the human body.

Penang Adventist Hospital uses the GE 1.5 Tesla Echospeed Plus MRI machine to take images of the body.

MR technologist performing cases

This non-invasive procedure is painless and does not require surgery or use of radiation.

MRI pictures show the soft tissue of the body (muscles, nerves, brain, ligaments, etc). The pictures produced by this new technique can help the doctor to detect and define the differences between healthy and diseased tissues.

The MRI Examination

Prior to your MRI examination, you will be asked to change to a hospital gown. A locker will be provided for your clothing, jewelry and personal items.

During the scan, you will be lying inside a large tubular magnet called the "magnet gantry". The Technologist / Radiographers will ensure that you that are comfortable and will ask you to keep very still during the scan because even slight movement can affect the quality of MR images and reduce their usefulness to you and your physicians.

You should not experience any unusual feeling or pain during you MRI scan. Some examinations may require the use of injected contrast – an enhancing agent which is called a contrast medium. This agent does not contain iodine and does not require special preparation.

Some of the MR Device to use for immobilizes patient during MR Scan

The inner side of the scanner is well lit and has light to maintain the brightness and a fan to blow fresh air gently over you. Prior to the examination, you will be fitted with a pair of earplugs. You will lie on a special padded table that will move you into the MRI scanner for your scan.

During your scan, you will hear a series of hammering noises. These sounds are normal and are not harmful in any way. Most scans take between 35 to 60 minutes, the Radiographer will talk to you through an intercom system.

Preparation for MRI Scan

In most cases, there is no special preparation for an MRI scan. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the scan although it is best to avoid large amounts of coffee or other things that make you restless.

It is very important not to bring any metal into the scan room without letting the MR technologist know. Before the scan, you will be asked to remove your watch, keys, coins, credit cards and other magnetic cases. These can all be damaged by the strong magnetic field of the MRI scanner or might cause distortions in the MRI pictures.

For some MRI scans, we might need to measure your heartbeat by placing a small MR compatible ECG electrode and wires on your chest.

Pelvis MRI - Abdomen MRI Special Preparation

If you are having a scan of the abdomen or pelvis, please do no eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the appointment. This is important to ensure high quality pictures.

Bring Old X-rays

You may have had other x ray tests, ultrasound, CT scan. These film can all be interpreted by the MRI Radiologist and greatly improve the relevance of the MRI report. Private film will be returned to your referring Physicians with the new MRI report.

Getting Comfortable and Keeping Still

The quality of the MRI images are very sensitive to movement. By keeping very still during the scan you can improve the quality of the images we obtain. We have found that the best way to keep still is to be relaxed. Lie comfortably as if you were dropping off to sleep. Our MRI Technologist will ensure that you are comfortable in the scanner so that you feel settled, secure and relaxed. Let them know what they can do for you and together we will ensure the best possible pictures.

Children's Examination

You may accompany your child into the MRI room during the examination. A child under the age of seven will probably require a sedative before the MRI examination. The sedative will be administered at the ward or at the MRI room prior to the scan. Please plan to arrive approximately one hour before the child’s scheduled appointment.

If possible do not let your child nap before the examination and bring a bottle to feed your infant after sedation. Young children should be kept up late the night prior to the examination and awakened early in the morning on the day of their examination. Sedation is often more effective if a child is tired and in the case of an infant, hungry.

Problems with MRI

It may not be possible or safe to have an MRI scan if you have any of these items.

MR Compatible W Chair & Drip Stand

Please inform the MRI staff know well prior your appointment if you have any of these. Experienced MRI staff will have to discuss the exact implant or metal with you to decide if it is safe to perform the scan.

Deciding which implants cannot be scanned takes special knowledge and experience. Please do not simply guess or just rely on your doctor to determine if we can screen you. Before the scan, you will be asked a series of questions to check that it is safe for you to enter the scan room.

Handheld Metal Detector for screening patient prior enter into MR Magnet Room

People with dental fillings and bridges, hip and knee replacements and tubal-ligation clips can all be scanned safely. The Radiographers will want to know about these things to minimize the effect they have on your images.

Claustrophobia

If you have experienced claustrophobia or have trouble in enclosed spaces talk about it with the MRI staff before your appointment date. For mild claustrophobia we find that the staff can help you to relax enough to get rid of the anxiety in a few minutes.

If your claustrophobia is severe you may need an anti-anxiety pill prescribed by you referring doctor or General Practitioner. Staff at the MRI unit can be contacted about this and can offer your doctors some advise. You should NOT DRIVE AFTER TAKING SUCH DRUGS, so arrange a safe way to get home.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or could be pregnant at the time of your scan appointment, please call us early so we can discuss the situation with you and consult your physicians.

MRI causes a slight heating of your body, so most MRI sites avoid scanning during the first 3 months of pregnancy unless the diagnosis cannot wait and the only alternate test uses X-rays. Beyond that period, an MRI is still avoided if the diagnosis can wait till your child is born as a matter of extreme caution.

In many sites around the world, MRI is used to examine pregnant women and their babies to avoid the need for xray tests. MRI contrast is NOT used during pregnancy.

Contrast Injections (DYE)

Example of MR non Ionic Contrast Agent Used In Penang Adventist Hospital.

Most MRI tests do not need you to have an injection but in some situations a contrast agent can greatly improve the accuracy of the scan. The contrast is injected into a vein and the dose is quite small (10ml to 20ml).

MRI Results

MRI scans are usually not reported while you are at the MRI unit. The images are filmed by the MR Technologist. Your report is sent with the MRI film together with any private film you brought along to the doctor who referred you to us. The delivery and the whole process usually takes a day. If you have another appointment soon after your MRI appointment, let us know and we will try to arrange for faster reporting and delivery. Your referring physicians can also ring MRI for results.

MRI Brain Demonstrate a Brain Tumor

Mri Lumbar Spine Show A Huge Prolapse Disc at L4-L5 Level

Note: All examples used are for demonstration purpose only.

Prepared by Tan Jui Kok
Radiology Department Manager.