Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Before:

MRI Abdomen, Liver, Hepatobiliary System: fasting for 4 before the scan may be required. It is advisable to drink clear liquids, and you can continue taking your prescribed medications (except for anti-diabetic medication) before the scan.
If you experience claustrophobia, you can request a mild sedative when scheduling the appointment. Arrange for someone to accompany you home afterward as driving is not safe for 24 hours post-sedation. Some MRI scans may involve an injection of contrast dye into a vein in your hand or arm.
All jewellery and metal objects must be removed before the MRI scan.
Please inform our staff if you have had previous surgery with electronic or metallic implants (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, surgical clips or implants), or any metallic foreign object in the body.
Female patients should inform the X-ray staff if they are pregnant or suspect they might be.

You will lie on a motorised bed that moves into the MRI scanner, which is a short cylinder open at both ends. A radiographer in a separate room operates the MRI scanner via a computer, while maintaining communication with you through a screen or monitor.
You may be allowed to have a family member or friend with you during the scan, and children usually have a parent present. It is crucial to remain still to avoid blurred images throughout the scan, which can range from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes per scan. Earplugs or headphones will be provided to reduce the noise of the scanner, which can produce loud tapping noises at times. You will be moved out of the scanner once the scan is complete.
The procedure is painless and typically lasts anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, contingent upon the size of the scanned area and the quantity of images needed.

You can resume normal activities after the scan, unless you have received a sedative.
In that case, a companion should accompany you home, and you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or consuming alcohol for 24 hours.