Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Related topics: Medical Imaging Medical tests & imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a specialized machine with strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.
It is a safe way to get a closer look at structures and tissues in your body including the brain, spine, joints, muscles, abdomen, and blood vessels.
MRI Central Intake
MRI central intake provides referring healthcare providers with a central office to direct outpatient MRI referrals for 18 public MRI sites across the Lower Mainland.
Fax outpatient requisitions to MRI Central Intake
Fax: 1(866) 588-6955
Phone: (604)953-6164
Information for referring health-care providers
Central intake will enable patients to be booked at the most appropriate lower mainland MRI site with the shortest wait time.
- Please use the regional lower mainland MRI requisition form and fax it to MRI Central Intake. Imaging has been working with EMR vendors to support the ease of use of the new requisition form.
- Referring health-care providers can indicate a preferred MRI site on the requisition, if desired.
- For lumbar spine, hip, knee and shoulder referrals, an Appropriateness Checklist must be submitted with the requisition.
- Only completed referral forms will be assigned to the MRI facilities.
- Incomplete referral forms will be sent back to the ordering healthcare provider and may delay appointment scheduling.
- Central Intake does not schedule MRI appointments. The function of Central Intake is to direct completed requisitions to sites based on wait times and exam type.
- For urgent outpatient MRI referrals requiring imaging in less than 72 hours, please contact the relevant site’s medical imaging department directly.
MRI tests may vary depending on the specific reason for your MRI and the body part being scanned. Your health-care provider or the MRI department will provide more detailed instructions and answer any specific concerns you may have before the test.
What to expect
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Preparing for your appointment
Arrival
Please arrive early for your appointment. Give yourself time to find parking and check in at Medical Imaging before your appointment. Bring a government-issued photo identification and your BC Services Card (personal health number)
Clothing and metal objects
You will be asked to remove your clothing and any metal objects, such as jewelry or hairpins, and provided a hospital gown to wear. You will be provided with a locker to store your personal belongings.
Metal objects are attracted to the MRI machine’s magnets potentially causing harm or interfering with the test. For your safety, a screening questionnaire will be provided for you to complete after you check in for your appointment. If you have any of the following, please let the MR department staff know prior to the MRI test.
- Pacemaker
- Aneurysm clip
- Implanted electronic device
- Cochlear implant
- Glucose monitoring device
- If you are pregnant
- History of an eye injury involving metal fragments
Confined space of the MRI machine
MRI machines look like long cylindrical tubes with narrow openings at both ends. It is designed to fit most individuals comfortably. Some or most of your body will be inside this opening during the test.
If you feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, you may find the test challenging. If you feel this may be a challenge for you, please discuss this with your health-care provider or MRI center before your appointment. They may offer ways to help you feel more at ease during the exam such as using an MRI machine with a wider opening, providing calming techniques, or offering medication to help you relax if appropriate.
During the test, the technologist will prioritize your comfort and well-being and can also provide strategies to help you stay calm and comfortable for a successful imaging experience.
Duration
The duration of the MRI can vary depending on the part of the body being scanned. MRI machines takes pictures in sequences, and each sequence can last a few minutes. The entire test can take anywhere between 15 minutes to 60 minutes or more.
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During the scan
Positioning
You will be taken into the scanner room and asked to lie down on a movable table. This table will slide into the MRI machine so that the part of your body being scanned will be in the center of the machine. Not all tests require your head to be inside the machine. For example, a test of the knee would have your head outside of the MRI machine. It is important to stay still during the test to get clear images. You may be given cushions or straps for your comfort and to help you stay in the right position for the entire test.
Sounds and Communications
MRI machines make loud knocking or buzzing sounds during the test. You may be given earplugs or headphones to help reduce the noise. Some MRI centers offer music or entertainment to help you relax during the test. The technologist will also give you a call button to communicate with the technologist if you have any concerns or need assistance during the test.
Contrast Agent
Some MRI tests involve a contrast agent. Contrast helps to highlight certain structures or vessels in your body so they are more visible on the images. The decision to use a contrast agent will depend on the specific reason for your test.
If your test needs the use of a contrast agent, it will be injected through an IV into your veins during the exam under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If a contrast agent is used some people may briefly feel warm or have a metallic taste in their mouth. These sensations are temporary and go away quickly.
The MR team will explain the procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have before your test begins.
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Getting your scan results
- After your MRI, the images need to be carefully reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. Radiologists are physicians who are qualified to read and interpret the images that the MRI technologist obtains during the test.
- The final report from the radiologist will be sent to your referring healthcare provider with any findings and may provide recommendations.
- It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to receive the results. The final report takes 2 to 5 business days to be sent to your referring healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Your health-care provider will need to submit a filled medical imaging requisition form to our clinic. Learn more on how to access and book an appointment for this service at a location near you -- see the list of clinics below.
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What causes the noise in the MRI scanner?
The loud noises are caused by the operation of the magnetic coils in an MRI scanner machine.
When the MRI machine takes images, it uses powerful electromagnetic pulses that cause the coils and magnets to turn on and off rapidly. This creates vibrations and mechanical movements that result in the loud knocking, buzzing, or tapping sounds.
Different sequences of images create different patterns of sound. The loud noises are part of the MRI technology and are not a sign of a problem or malfunction. The MRI machines are designed to minimize the noise levels as much as possible, however, it can still be quite loud.
Most MRI centers provide earplugs, headphones or music to help reduce the noise and make the experience more comfortable.
Find this service near you
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at Purdy Pavilion (UBC)
2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at Lions Gate Hospital
231 East 15th Street North Vancouver -
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at Richmond Hospital
7000 Westminster Highway Richmond -
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at Vancouver General Hospital
855 West 12th Avenue Vancouver