MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Our Vancouver Centre has the first and only GE 3.0T MRI in Clinical use in all of Canada. The newest and most advanced clinical applications, far superior to the 1.5T.

• double the magnetic field of the 1.5T MRI
• state of the art technology
• 3T adds certainty to the diagnosis
• demonstrates disease that can not be seen with 1.5T
• the highest resolution scanner available for clinical use in the world today
• key to minimally- invasive therapies
• radiation free

What you should know about MR exams

Simple, safe, and fast, MR exams are among the most advanced imaging procedures. Our goal is to provide the medical care for you and your family. Your physician will be able to answer specific details about your exam and any other questions you may have.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive diagostic procedure. This is a valuable medical exam that uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies to generate detailed anatomical images. MRI scans have been used safely and successfully for over 20 years.

MRI scans have an advantage over other forms of scanning because it can image different types of tissue. More traditional forms of imaging, such as X-Rays, are limited in how much tissue they can image. MRI scans can image more types of tissue without dangerous ionizing radiation.

The 3.0T Signa EXCITE HDX MR system from GE Healthcare used in our facility represents the latest generation of MRI technology. It produces images of unprecedented detail in a very short time with more comfort for you.

What you should expect

A technologist will escort you into the MRI scanning room, where you'll see a table and large donut-shaped device called a gantry. The technologist will have you lie on the padded table and make sure that you're comfortable. You'll be asked to lie very still during the exam and hold your breath for a short time to minimize any movement.

During the scan, you might hear a humming or buzzing noise, but you will not feel anything unusual. You may feel the table move while images are being taken of specific locations of your body. The technologist will monitor you during the entire exam through a window and will communicate with you by intercom.

The specific details of your upcoming MRI scan will be discussed in full by your MR Technologist or Physician.

How long will it take

The actual scan portion takes only a few moments. You will be asked to stay still and hold your breath as the machine gathers images of your body. Depending on the specific exam, the entire exam may take up to 45 minutes, as the radiologist reviews the images and makes a diagnosis.

Are IV or shots involved?

Depending on the exam, a solution called "contrast" may be administered with an IV to help improve what the physician can see. Although contrast for MRI does not contain iodine, it is still important to let your doctor know beforehand if you have any specific allergies. In addition, the technologist may hook you up to an ECG monitor.

After the MRI exam

The radiologist will carefully analyze your MR images, review the findings with your physician, and provide a report. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.

Safety of MR examinations

MR is a safe and effective diagnostic procedure. It does not use ionizing radiation like an x-ray. Like many other medical imaging technologies, MRI has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the 3.0T Signa EXCITE HDX MR system has been designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Many older MRI system use larger coils, which can make the unit more confining. But the 3.0T Signa EXCITE HDX MR system from GE Healthcare features more compact, more advanced coils, meaning the MRI experience is much more comfortable.

Reasons for MRI scans

MRI exams are performed when people are ill or injured or when a doctor suspects a problem that cannot detected easily with a routine physical examination. They are non-invasive, meaning no surgical procedures are required to view your body systems. MR is also used to obtain specific diagnostic information that hasn't been provided by other imaging techniques such as X-Ray, Ultrasound, or CT. If you have any questions concerning your exam, please talk to your physician or the MR technologist.

You deserve the most advanced MRI, and UCC has it. Call for rapid direct access 604.628.2822