A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan uses a powerful magnet, radiofrequency waves, and a computer to create cross-sectional images of internal organs and structures. It does not use ionizing radiation as x-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans do. You must be free of metal for your test, including all jewelry and piercings. The scanner resembles a large tube with a table in the middle, allowing the patient to slide in. You can expect most of your body to go inside the MRI scanner. If you have claustrophobia, a fear of confined spaces, please discuss with your doctor prior to your MRI appointment.
How to book an appointment
Outpatient MRI scans are by pre-booked appointment only. Please check your booking closely to ensure which campus you are scheduled at and at what time of day (morning versus afternoon) as the MRI machines operate 24 hours per day. A booking notification will go to your requesting doctor, this will include any necessary prep instructions.
Diabetic Devices
Diabetic management devices including glucose sensors, transmitters, receivers or insulin pumps can be damaged by radiation and magnetic fields. Glucose sensors, transmitters, receivers or insulin pumps must be removed immediately prior to your test. Insulin pumps may be restarted following the test. Glucose sensors cannot be reinserted, you must use a new sensor following the test. If you would prefer to reschedule your test, please let us know. For any questions regarding your device, please contact the manufacturer of your device.
What can I expect? How long does it take?
- Upon arrival to the MRI department you will be asked to fill out a safety screening questionnaire.
- You will also be asked to change into hospital clothing to help ensure you are free of metal before entering the scanner room. This includes the removal of all jewelry and piercings.
- Please provide any information on any devices that may be implanted on your person (for example pacemaker or stent).
- How long your MRI will take depends on what area we are scanning. You can expect to be in the department anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
- Your doctor may have requested a scan where the Radiologist deemed it necessary to have oral contrast (a drink) before your scan. This is most common with bowel imaging.
- Our Radiologist reading the MRI may also ask for you to have an injection for the scan. It is a special dye (contrast media) that is used to improve how we see blood vessels, organs and other structures. This will require a small intravenous (IV) to inject the contrast through for the scan. The Technologist preparing you for your procedure will explain this further to you.
- You will be provided with hearing protection as the MRI is very loud.
- The Technologists strive to start each scan on time, but emergency patients and other unforeseen events may cause a delay.
How to access your MRI images
For information on accessing your MRI images, visit Accessing Your Diagnostic Images.
Is it your child coming for a test?
The Child Life Program strives to meet the psychosocial and emotional needs of children and youth throughout their health-care journeys. They help them adjust to and understand hospitalization, medical procedures, illness and injury. They are commonly involved with procedures such as MRI scans.
How to find MRI:
Hours of operation and phone number for MRI at University Hospital
- Outpatient Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. (0700) to 11:00 p.m. (2200)
- Contact phone number is 519-685-8500 extension 33088
Hours of operation and phone number for MRI at Victoria Hospital
- Outpatient Hours of Operation are daily, 24 hours a day
- Contact phone number is 519-685-8500 extension 57474
Directions to MRI at University Hospital
- Enter through the main entrance at the front of the hospital. Take the elevator to the second floor. Turn right off the elevator and follow the signs to MRI C2-500.
- The hallway to MRI is approximately 300 feet long and runs through the Radiology Department. MRI reception is at the end of the hallway.
If your arrival time is Monday to Friday between 6:00 p.m. (18:00) to 8:00 p.m. (20:00) or anytime on Saturday or Sunday
- You must call into the MRI area using the phone to the left of the hallway entrance to access the long hallway.
- Check in at MRI reception located on the second floor room C2−500.
If your arrival time is any day between 8:00 p.m. (20:00) to 6:00 a.m. (6:00)
- You must enter through the security entrance, Entrance A, at the hospital's north end about 100 feet left of the Emergency Department entrance.
- When you enter the door, take the long hallway until you see the sign to turn left for the lobby and main elevators.
- Take the elevator to the second floor. Turn right off the elevator and follow the signs to MRI.
- The hallway to MRI is approximately 300 feet long and runs through the Radiology Department. MRI reception is at the end of the hallway.
- Check in at MRI reception located on the second floor room C2−500.
Directions to MRI at Victoria Hospital
If your arrival time is any day 5:00 a.m. (5:00) to 6:00 p.m. (18:00)
- Enter through entrance D off Commissioners Road and take D elevators to Level 1.
- Follow signs to CT/MRI department waiting room D1−C26 to register.
If your arrival time is any day 6:00 p.m. (18:00) to 5:00 a.m. (5:00)
- Enter the hospital off Baseline Road, turn right onto Dagnone drive in front of the Thames Valley Children´s Centre.
- Pass the north tower, Building B, and park in the visitor parking garage (P8) on the left.
- Take the parking garage elevators to Level G and enter the hospital through the doors labeled B3 opposite the garage exit under the walkway.
- Once in the main lobby area, follow the signs to zone C. You will exit the lobby area toward zone C left of the Pediatric Family Resource Centre and through the double doors to the right of the elevators.
- Continue following signs to zone C and CT/MRI room D1−C26.
