Preparing for your MRI
Duration:
From 20 to 60 minutes (approx.)
Type:
Magnetic field and radio waves
Prep:
Remove metal objects
Notes:
The scanner can be noisy
Bring any implant card you may have
Before your visit
We want you to feel comfortable and prepared for your scan. Here’s what to expect.
On arrival, you will be asked a series of in-depth safety questions to make sure that it is safe for you to have your scan. It is important that these questions are answered correctly.
Before you enter the MRI room, you will be changed into a gown and asked to remove all metallic objects.
You will be positioned on the MRI table and some MRI coils will be placed around the part of the body to be imaged.
The table will then slide into the MRI scanner and the test will begin.
During your scan
The MRI can be noisy and you will be given headphones to help block out the noise. Our scanner also has the ability to play radio music through the headphones provided during the MRI examination.
During the scan it is important to stay very still as MRI scans are very susceptible to motion.
Sometimes your scan may require an injection of gadolinium (contrast dye). Gadolinium is very safe and should not affect you once you leave the MRI department.
Note: MRI scan times are variable, our staff will let you know how long it will take at time of booking.
Is MRI Safe?
There are a multitude of implants within patients that need to be assessed as safe.
Many are safe and will be reviewed on the safety screening form before the scan.
There are many other implants that might be contraindicated and should be discussed with GMI prior to booking.
Scanning while the patient is in the first trimester of pregnancy is generally avoided.
Further reading
Why Choose GMI for Your MRI
We specialise in musculoskeletal, cardiological and neurological studies. Find out how our advanced MRI can give you a more confident diagnosis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) creates detailed images of soft tissues that don’t show up on X-rays, using magnetic fields instead of radiation. Perfect for seeing organs, muscles, and tissues in exceptional detail.
Our 3T MRI scanner delivers twice the power of standard machines for more confident diagnoses.
Learn about our new Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Lumina 3T MRI scanner, powered by BioMatrix Technology and AI.
We’re trusted by Canberra’s leading specialists and elite athletes because we deliver exceptional results. Our deep experience covers every type of MRI scan, with particular expertise in:
- Musculoskeletal imaging
- Cardiac studies
- Neurological scans
- Breast imaging
- Prostate imaging
Garran Medical Imaging’s brand-new Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Lumina 3T MRI scanner at Turner is powered by BioMatrix Technology and AI. The MAGNETOM Lumina has the latest technological advances, powerful gradient performance and high-density next generation coil portfolio.
This delivers class leading patient comfort and amazing image quality in neuro, abdominal, pelvic, MSK and whole body exams.
Our whole-body diffusion scanning goes beyond standard imaging, giving you detailed full-body results without radiation. It’s a smart alternative to traditional PET and bone scans – faster, more comfortable, and perfect for both initial diagnosis and tracking your treatment progress.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma: left FDG-PET, right whole body diffusion MRI.