MRI Poznań

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to evaluate organs and tissues in the body to accurately assess the structures under study and diagnose diseases, conditions and injuries.

MRI is a completely safe test, and no noticeable side effects have been found after the scan. An extremely rare risk is allergy to the contrast agent (CAR), which is administered during some examinations. A very small percentage of people are allergic to the substance contained in the MPC for MR. In addition, implants and other non-removable metals and electronic devices in the body pose health and life risks and may exclude some patients from safely undergoing an MR examination.

For each study, you should bring with you:

• ID,
• referral (if issued),
• previous medical records pertaining to the area under study (hospital discharges, previous imaging studies, medical appointment cards, oncology history, etc.),
• clothes without metal elements,
• and preferably come without makeup and remove jewelry before the examination.

For examinations with contrast agent administration, the patient will be asked:

• Not eating 5 hours before the test,
• Current (maximum two-week) creatinine and eGFR results,
• In some examinations (e.g.: pelvis, uterus, prostate), we also ask for intestinal laxation with preparations available in pharmacies,
• for breast examinations, please discontinue hormonal contraception prior to the examination, especially for non-specific breast changes;

Each patient should take their medications as prescribed by their doctor.

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate images – both types of radiation are safe for humans and have no side effects, especially in the relatively short time the patient is examined.

The examination is completely painless. Some discomfort may be the insertion of the venflon (needed to administer the contrast agent), but the pain is minimal (as when drawing blood).

The MR examination lasts from 30 minutes to (in rare cases) two hours.

A companion can come to the facility and accompany the patient while waiting for the examination. In rare cases, especially in claustrophobic patients, it is possible for a companion to be present during the examination itself, after all metal components have been removed. This is arranged each time with the electroradiologist performing the MRI.

Most patients suffering from claustrophobia can successfully perform the examination in our Laboratory. The empathetic approach of our Team to the stressed patient, as well as the larger aperture of the MRI (by about 10 cm than the average) and the technical capabilities of our apparatus, allow patients with claustrophobia to perform the examination comfortably without taking additional drugs. Sedative drugs can only be taken after consultation with your treating physician. If they are taken, we recommend the presence of an accompanying person who will ensure that the patient reaches the Laboratory safely and then returns home. We remind you that after taking sedatives, you should not drive.

It depends on the location and type of implant. Each time, you should tell about the presence of metals or electronic devices in the body when registering for the test. The registrar will ask for documentation about the implant and give you an answer as to whether the test can be performed in your case.

No side effects have been found from scanning on an MR machine. A contrast agent can cause side effects, just like any medical substance used on the market, but the risk of these side effects is far less than the clinical benefit of the scan.

Interpretation of diagnostic images is carried out by a radiologist. For each examination performed by us, we include a professional description made by a reputable radiologist. Such a description is the basis for the implementation of treatment, so the result obtained should be consulted with the doctor ordering the examination or a specialist dealing with the examined area/ organ.

The waiting time for a description depends on many factors. Radiologists specialize in describing specific areas of the body, so the waiting time for a description varies greatly – it depends on what area was examined. It is best to ask before or after the examination what the current waiting time is for a description of a specific area of the body.

As a rule, the price of the examination coincides with that indicated in the price list. The only additional cost that may arise is related to the need to administer a contrast agent (CPC). There are a number of examinations that are performed with contrast each time – then in our Laboratory it is included in the price, and the information about it is indicated in the price list. However, there are examinations that can be successfully performed without the administration of a contrast agent, but in the course of them it may turn out that in this particular case, for a complete and reliable diagnosis, the administration of contrast will be required. In that case, it is additionally charged. Each time the decision in this regard is made by the radiologist.

Some areas (such as the head, spine and prostate) are better imaged with MRI. Generalizing, MR is better for evaluating soft tissues and CT for bones. However, MR has its limitations, and there are cases where CT is the better diagnostic method (e.g., in diagnosis for cancerous distant metastases or bowel evaluations, CT is better). Not every patient is able to stand without movement for the amount of time it takes to perform MR. In conclusion, both methods have their strengths and each patient should be approached individually.

Yes, they should be removed if possible.

Yes, the MRI machine is a relatively noisy device that emits rhythmic loud sounds resembling tapping and screeching. Always before the test, the patient is given earplugs or special headphones to muffle the outside sound, so there is no need to worry about injury to the hearing organ.

The general principle of operation is the same for all areas of the body. What differs, however, is the number of sequences (series of images) performed and their technique.

• Severe claustrophobia,
• First trimester of pregnancy,
• Hypersensitivity to gadoteric acid, meglumine, any medicinal product containing gadolinium,
• Metal implants containing ferromagnetic metals and any ferromagnetic metals in the body (such as bullet fragments or filings);

No negative effect of MR examination on the fetus has been proven. Nevertheless, as a precaution, it is advised against undergoing any medical procedures during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, there are cases where the patient’s medical situation requires an MR scan. In such cases, we require patients to present a referral for the test from their treating physician, in which he justifies the procedure. The decision to test is made in consultation with the radiologist, and each case is considered individually with concern for the safety of the patient and the fetus.

At our facility, we do not undertake the test in the youngest children. The contractual limit, adopted by us, is 10 years of age. This is due to the fact that younger children are often unable to lie still during the examination, which lasts from half an hour to as much as 2h. If the patient is less than 10 years old, the decision to perform the test is made on an individual basis, depending on the area to be tested and based on a discussion with the parents, who are able to determine whether their child will be able to lie still for a specific period of time. Regarding safety, the procedure is as safe for children as it is for adults.

Yes, if the examination was performed without the administration of a contrast agent, the patient can leave the laboratory immediately and return to normal activity. However, if the contrast agent was administered, he must wait in our Laboratory for half an hour. If there are no noticeable side effects after this time, he can return to normal activities and driving. However, we recommend that she drink plenty of water to flush the contrast agent out of her system as quickly as possible.

The contrast is administered intravenously to the patient during the examination. Like any medical substance, it carries a risk of adverse effects, but it is extremely small.

Yes, you should inform the person performing the test about your allergies, and write about them in the medical questionnaire filled out before the test.

An MRI is an advanced test performed with state-of-the-art equipment operated by dedicated medical professionals – we described the components that affect test prices in article on our blog – we encourage you to read.