MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

What is an MRI?

MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It’s excellent for visualising the brain and spine, joints, muscles, abdominal and pelvic organs, and blood vessels, without using ionising radiation.

What can MRI help with?

Doctors commonly request MRI to investigate headaches or neurological symptoms, back or neck pain, sports injuries, soft-tissue and joint problems, abdominal or pelvic pain, and vascular conditions. Your doctor will decide if MRI is the right test for you.

How long does it take?

Most MRI scans take 30–45 minutes. Complex studies or scans of multiple areas can take longer. Please allow extra time for safety screening and getting you comfortable.

Is MRI safe?

MRI does not use X-rays. However, because the scanner is a very strong magnet, safety screening is essential. You’ll complete a questionnaire before your scan. Please tell us if you have:

A pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator or other implanted device
Aneurysm clips, cochlear/ear implants, or an insulin/infusion pump
Metal fragments in the eye or body (especially if you’ve welded or worked with metal)
Recent surgery or metal implants/rods/plates
Kidney problems, previous contrast reactions, or if you are pregnant or might be

Many modern implants are “MRI-conditional” we’ll check the model details to scan you safely.

Preparation

Wear comfortable clothing with no metal; you may be asked to change into a gown.
Remove jewellery, watches, hairpins, piercings, bank/transport cards and any metal objects.
Make-up with glitter or metallic particles and some tattoos can warm slightly.
Fasting isn’t usually required. If your scan needs special preparation, we’ll advise you when you book.
Continue regular medications unless you’ve been told otherwise.

What happens during the scan?

You’ll lie on a padded table; a lightweight “coil” may be placed around the area being imaged. The scanner is open at both ends. You’ll hear rhythmic tapping sound, ear protection will be provided where appropriate. It’s important to keep still; some scans involve short breath-holds. Our radiographer can see and speak with you throughout.

Claustrophobia or anxiety?
Please let us know when booking. We can discuss simple strategies (eye mask, calming techniques, a support person). If needed, talk to your doctor about light sedation.

Our MRI features

Premium Wide-Bore MRI- Comfort for All Patients

Ideal for claustrophobic and larger patients
Quiet Suite technology for a calmer, less noisy scan experience

Fast, High-Quality Imaging Powered by BioMatrix Technology

Tailors the scan to the patient’s anatomy & breathing
Reduces repeat sequences and motion artefact

High Diagnostic Confidence Across All Modalities

Neuro MRI-high-resolution diffusion, perfusion, & 3D sequences
MSK – cartilage mapping, small joint detail, ligament/tendon clarity
Abdominal-motion-corrected liver and pancreas imaging
Prostate – high-performance multiparametric prostate MRI
Cardiac MRI – Built for premium Cardiac MRI, enabling fast, precise

assessment of cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, ischaemia and structural heart disease.

Contrast

Some MRI scans require an injection of a contrast agent to highlight blood vessels and areas of inflammation or tumour. Most people feel no different, though mild, brief sensations can occur. Reactions are uncommon; we screen for risk factors and manage any issues promptly. If you have significant kidney disease, we may need a recent kidney function test.

Breastfeeding: You can continue breastfeeding after MRI contrast. If you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

After your scan

A specialist radiologist will review your images and send a report to your referring doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

What to bring?

Bookings & enquiries

Appointments are readily available, contact Northside Imaging to discuss preparation and the next available time.
This information is general and does not replace advice from your doctor.