MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI is a safe painless test. It uses radio waves and magnetic field to take pictures of soft tissues, organs and bones. The pictures provide information that can help your doctor diagnose the problem that you are having.
Arrive on time for your test. Report at appointed time.
To Prepare
If picture are being taken of your abdomen liver or pancreas , do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.

Let the staff know right away if you

     - Are or think you could be pregnant
     - Weight over 300 pounds or 136 kilograms.
     - Have a cardiac pacemaker, or other implanted device, such as an insulated pump or stimulator
     - Have aneurysm clips.
     - Have metal sharpnel or fragments inside your body.
     - Have a replacement joint or plate.
     - Have an allergy to contrast medicine.

• Remove any items that can be affected by the magnet. These may include hairpins, jewellery, coins, dentures, keys or credit cards. Please leave valuable belongings at home.
• You will be asked to change into a centre’s gown.
• You may have an IV (Intravenous) put in your arm to give you contrast medicine during the test.
• If being in a small space scares you, talk to your doctor before the test. Your doctor may recommend some medicine to help you relax.
• You can eat, drink and take your medicines before the test.

During the Test

• You will lie on a table in the middle of a long tube like machine.
• The table slides into the opening of the machine until the part of your body to be checked is in the center
• Lie very still during the test. You may be asked to hold your breath for few seconds during the test.
• The machine may make a loud noise while pictures are taken. Yu may be given ear plugs to wear.
• You can talk to the staff through a speaker. Tell the staff if you need help or are uncomfortable.

After the Test

• You may drive home after the test if you were not given medicine to help you relax during the test.If you were not given medicine to help you relax, an adult must be with you to take you home. It is not safe for you to drive or leave alone.
• If you were given contrast medicine during the test, drink 6 to 8 (8 ounce) glasses of liquid to flush the contrast out of your body.

Good liquids to drink are water, milk and juice. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink such as coffee, tea and soft drinks.
The results can be collected from the centre or if you wish the results can be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.

CT (Computerized Tomography) Scan

A CT Scan shows pictures of your body parts. During scanning if required a small amount of dye may be put into a vein in your arm. This dye leaves your body after a few days
If you have any allergies to medicines, foods or other things, tell the staff before the test.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the staff before the test.
Arrive on time for your test. If you are having a scan of your abdomen (stomach) or pelvis, allow for an extra 2 hours to drink the liquid dye

To Prepare:

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 4 hours before the test. We may require intravenous medicines for certain case. You may take your medicines with sips of water.

During the Test

• If you are having an abdominal (stomach) or pelvic scan, you need to drink 600-1000 ml liquid mixed with dye within a specified time as required by the examination. The staff will guide you for the same.
• You will wear center’s gown and lie on a table.
• An IV (intravenous) cannula is put in a vein in your arm.
• Dye is put into your IV, you may feel hot flushed for a few seconds.
• Lie still during the scan
• You may be asked to hold your breath at times.
• The table moves slightly between each scan.

After the Test

• You may return to your normal diet and activity
• If you have undergone a pelvic scan, you may have some loose stool due to the liquid you drank.
• The results can be collated from the center or if you wish results can be sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.