www.saskatoonhealthregion.

ca/Saskatoon Health Region

Where Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Performed?
MRI is available at Royal University Hospital (since1992) and Saskatoon City Hospital
(since1999).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bookings
Requests for MRI information and/or services are accepted from specialists only.
MRI Consultation Form (PDF)
MRI Central Booking for both Royal University and Saskatoon City Hospitals:
Phone: (306) 655-2412
Fax: (306) 655-2416
Email: mricentralbookings@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

The MRI at Royal University Hospital

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnets, radio waves and
specialized computer software to produce images of the body. The system is capable of
performing high-resolution neurological (brain and spinal cord) imaging, functional imaging,
cardiac imaging, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), spectroscopy, breath-hold
abdominal imaging, cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) and much more.
Patients undergoing MRI examination must lie very still on their back in a large cylinder for
30 minutes to two hours depending on the examination being performed.
Royal University Hospital uses a Siemens Magnetom Symphony 1.5 tesla MRI system with
Syngo 2002b-version software. Saskatoon City Hospital uses a similar but smaller 1.0 tesla
Siemens Magnetom Harmony MRI system.
How Is The Procedure Performed?

MRI Image of a Brain

A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the pull of
the earth. The hydrogen protons within the body will align with this field. When focused
radio frequency pulses at a certain frequency are broadcast toward the aligned hydrogen
protons, they precess, then begin relaxing, then emit a signal picked up by receiver coils.
These signals are converted to an image similar to 'slices' of the body or can be reconstructed
to form a three-dimensional image. There is no ionizing radiation used to produce MRI
images.
Patients must lie very still on their backs for 30 minutes to two hours. Some examinations
require the injection of a MRI contrast agent. Following the examination patients can resume
all of their normal activities.
Occasionally, patients will feel confined or claustrophobic in the magnet cylinder and may
require reassurance and oral sedation to minimize this sensation. Infants and small children
usually require a general anesthetic in order to hold still long enough to have this
examination.
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare?

Upper abdomen exams - Do not eat or drink for six hours before the examination.
This includes liver, pancreas, biliary system [MRCP], gallbladder etc.

All other MRI exams No preparation

Safety Screening
The MRI nurse or technologist will perform a safety screening on you and anyone else
entering the MRI suite with you. The safety screening consists of questions regarding
previous surgery, occupation, and history of metal fabrication/welding/grinding. You may be
required to have x-rays of the eye area to check for metal fragments.
What Do I Wear?
Please consider wearing comfortable clothing without zippers and/or snaps such as a sweat
suit. Hospital gowns and pajamas can be provided if necessary.
Metallic objects are not allowed in the MRI suite. These objects include but are not limited
to: cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, implanted electronic devices of any kind, jewellery,
canes, removable dental work, cell-phones and beepers, scissors, etc.

http://www.radiology.ucsf.edu/ 2013 The Regents of the University of California

Prepare for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI)

Patient Safety Tips Prior to the Procedure in Radiology

What can I expect before my MRI exam?

What can I expect during my MRI scan?

What can I expect after my MRI scan?

Patient Safety Tips Prior to the Procedure in Radiology

Because of the strong magnetic field used during the exam, certain conditions may prevent
you from having a MR procedure. When scheduling your appointment and prior to your
exam, please alert our staff and technologist to the following conditions that may apply to
you. The radiology staff will let then let you know whether you can have the MRI exam and
whether the exam needs to be modified for your particular condition.

Pacemaker

Pregnancy

Claustrophobia

History of kidney problems

Skin tattoos

Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)

Implanted drug infusion device (i.e., insulin pump)

Exposure of metal fragments to your eye

Artificial heart valves

Aneurysm clips

Cochlear implants

Metallic implants and prosthesis

Vascular stent or stent graft

History as a metal worker

Shrapnel or bullet wounds

Dorsal column stimulators

Allergy to iodine, or gadolinium

History of diabetes

Other conditions you believe to be relevant

Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen,
for they have to be removed prior to entering the scan room.
If you dont want to change into hospital attire, please wear cotton clothing without any metal
zippers, hooks, or buttons.
Please let us know if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
Please bring a list of your current medications.
If you have claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with
you for your MRI appointment.
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What can I expect before my MRI exam?

There is little preparation for an MRI exam. Take your daily medications as you
normally would, unless instructed otherwise. There are few dietary restrictions for an
MRI. For those exams, you will be notified of the requirements.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your exam and check in with the receptionist.
You will need to complete the MRI screening form.

If your clothes have any metal fasteners or metallic design, you will be asked to
change into a hospital gown. A locker will be supplied to secure your belongings.

A technologist will verify your identification and the requested exam. Your screening
form will be reviewed by the technologist in consultation with the radiologist if

indicated. If MRI contrast is indicated for the exam, an IV catheter will be inserted in
your arm by a nurse or technologist.

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What can I expect during my MRI scan?

The duration of the procedure will vary but the average is 45 minutes to one
hour per body part.

You will be required to lie still during the actual MR scanning. Depending on
the body part that is being examined, you may be instructed to hold your
breath for up to 30 seconds.

The magnet is permanently open on both ends. It is well lit and there is a fan
for patient comfort. There is also a two way intercom system for
communication between patient and technologist. The part of the body being
scanned will be placed in the middle of the magnet.

During the actual imaging, you will hear a loud intermittent banging noise.
You will be provided with earplugs or head phones to minimize the noise
during the procedure.

The technologist will also provide you with an alarm button to alert the
technologist of any discomfort you may experience at any point during the
MRI exam.

Some MRI exams require an injection of intravenous MRI contrast. Inform the
technologist if you experience any discomfort during the injection.

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What can I expect after my MRI scan?

If a dye injection is used, the IV is removed from the arm before you go home.

Allergic reaction from gadolinium dye is extremely rare. However, if you

experience symptoms such as rash, hives, or shortness of breath, you should
notify the technologist immediately if you are still at the imaging facility, or
call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you have already left the
imaging facility.

In the event that sedation is needed (such as for claustrophobia), you will be
sent home once awake and alert. If you receive sedation, someone must drive
you home.