MRI Examinations

Bay Radiology Ltd |  Services |  MRI |  MRI Examinations

Brain Imaging MRI can look at many neurological disorders as it obtains very accurate high definition images. A large number of conditions can be diagnosed by MRI some of these are multiple sclerosis, tumours and strokes.

Extremities/Joint Imaging (MSK) MRI is the most accurate examination for looking at joints. It can clearly show the surrounding ligaments, cartilage and muscles. MRI is good for both sporting injuries and showing damage from degeneration.

Abdominal And Pelvic Imaging MRI is able to accurately visualise organs within your abdominal and pelvic cavity. Organs such as the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, prostate, uterus, cervix and ovaries are all commonly imaged. These examinations often require you to not eat or drink anything for four hours prior to your test, but we will advise you of this in your appointment letter. For all imaging of your upper abdomen we will ask you to hold your breath for the scans. Each one is for approximately 20 seconds.

MRI Enterography Imaging of the small bowel enables us to show if Crohns disease is present. In preparation for this examination you will be unable to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your scan. You will be asked to arrive one hour prior to your scanning appointment time so that we can give you a contrast agent to drink. This expands the small bowel so we are able to visualise it. We also need to administer an injection of 10ml of contrast media that is gadolinium based. This is done approximately half way through the scanning process.

Breast Imaging of the breast helps us to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. It will also show cysts. We need to administer an injection of 10ml of contrast media that is gadolinium based. This is done during the scanning process. This examination takes approximately 30-45 minutes and you will have to lie on your stomach.

Spine MRI imaging of the spine is very sensitive in showing any prolapsed discs, bone and the nerves in the spinal cord.

MRI Arthrograms This type of test involves us injecting some contrast into either your shoulder or hip joint. This is very sensitive at showing up small tears to a particular structure within these joints. You will be unable to drive yourself home after this examination or do any heavy lifting or contact sports for the next 24-48 hours.

Vascular Studies We are able to visualise the arteries that run throughout your body utilising a number of different methods. Some of these involve the injection of a contrast agent that is gadolinium based.

After Your Examination There are no side effects from having an MRI and unless you have taken an oral sedative from your GP or had an arthrogram you will be okay to drive home.

Results Your results will be sent to your specialist and your GP within 24-48 hours. In some cases this may take a little longer depending on the complexity of your case.