MRI - 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
What is a MRI?
MRI is a diagnostic tool that utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce high quality images of internal body structures. This non-invasive procedure is regarded as an incredibly valuable tool for physicians to locate tumors and diagnose diseases as well as soft tissue injuries. To create these images, MRI machines temporarily realign the water molecules in your body. This allows those atoms to produce a signal when exposed to radio waves. This is how the images are produced.
What is a 3T MRI?
Beam Radiology is host to a 3T MRI machine, one of only a few in the province.
3T MRI, also known as 3 Tesla MRI, is a particularly advanced type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that produces more detailed images than the typical MRI. The 3T MRI has a more powerful magnet and the ability to produce superior quality images. The MRI at Beam is also a wide-bore MRI, which means there is more space for the patient within the machine. With this scanner we are able to provide exceptional quality, consistent result, and superior detection ability.
For patients with claustrophobia and/or anxiety
Some patients who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia may experience a level of discomfort while the exam is being performed. To help alleviate this, Beam utilizes a 3T Wide Bore MRI. This means that there is more space within the machine, which can help with feelings of claustrophobia.
If you think this, or feelings of anxiety may be an issue for you, please let us know prior to your appointment as we can discuss options that can improve your experience. We are here to help.
Pricing
$725 – First Body Area
$450 – Each Additional Body Area
$945 – Prostate
$945 – Arthrogram
$250 – Contrast (if required)
* CT of the abdomen/pelvis can help diagnose disease of the internal organs, blood vessels, stomach, small bowel, and skeleton of the abdomen/pelvic region
* arms, knees, ankles, and feet excluded
Types of MRI
Our diagnostic tools and team of specialists provide Calgary and the surrounding areas with access to personalized service and care.
Abdominal MRI
Used to assess abdominal organs including the liver, gall bladder & bile ducts, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lymph nodes, and some blood vessels.
Arthrogram MRI
An MR Arthrogram is used to help detect any problems with joints and is most commonly used to look inside the shoulder, knee, wrist, elbow, ankle or hip. A contrast solution “dye” is injected into your joint to outline the soft tissue structures in the joint.
Brachial Plexus MRI
This MRI is used to detect pathology or damage to the Brachial Plexus caused by injury. This is done by assessing the status of the nerves, arteries, and veins in the area.
Brain MRI
An MRI of the brain is used to diagnose or evaluate irregularities such as tumors, residual impacts from injury or trauma, bleeding, swelling, cysts, aneurysms, dementia, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and infection.
MRA Circle of Willis
An MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) of the head is done to look at the blood vessels leading to the brain to check for an aneurysm, a clot, or a narrowing because of plaque.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) MRI
MSK MRI can be used to diagnose causes of pain, swelling or locking of a joint, issues with the spine or pelvis, and to evaluate soft tissues for masses or inflammation. In some cases, an injection may be performed before the MRI to provide better visualization of certain structures.
Pelvic MRI
Pelvic MRI offers a detailed assessment of the structures deep in the pelvis including the reproductive organs, bladder, bowel in the pelvic area, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and masses.
Prostate MRI
Prostate MRI is non-invasive and pain-free way to detect prostate condition and has been shown to be as accurate as a biopsy at detecting prostate cancers.
Spine MRI
MRI of the spine is used to diagnose and evaluate spinal abnormalities, injuries, and disease. MRI is the best available method to visualize the spinal cord, spinal nerves, compression fractures of the vertebrae, and any herniated discs.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) MRI
TMJ MRI can be used to evaluate the components of this small and complex joint. MRI offers superior imaging of the TMJ due to its high resolution, and the ability to provide a dynamic assessment to demonstrate any abnormal motion of the joint.
FAQ
- Brain & Spinal Cord
- Heart & Blood Vessels
- Bones & Joints
- Soft Tissue Masses
- Most Internal Organs
MRI generally requires no specific preparation. You can eat and drink normally and continue any medications you regularly take. There are a few specialized MRIs that may require preparation, but if that is the case, you will be instructed of this prior to your appointment. At the time of your appointment, you will be asked to remove anything with metal, and you may be directed to change into a gown for the scan. You will be asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Upon arrival at the clinic you will be required to complete an MRI screening form and you will be asked to change into a set of pants and gown that will be provided to you.
When you have reached the examination room, you will be positioned on a motorized table that slides in and out of the MRI machine. When the machine is operational, you are the only person in the room. You are still able to communicate with the technologist throughout the exam, and they are able to see you from a separate room.
When you are inside the MRI machine, a strong magnetic field is created, and radio waves are targeted at your body this produces the images. During your exam, you will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you will hear a repetitive tapping or thumping noise. This can be very loud, but is to be expected. You will be provided with earplugs/headphones for the duration of your exam. You will be required to stay very still for the entirety of the scan.
Patients can expect their MRI to last anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
As MRI machines utilize powerful magnets, metal objects on or in the body may be affected. Please be sure to discuss any device, metal, or shrapnel in your body with your doctor, Beam care coordinator, and MRI technologist prior to your exam. If your implant or device came with an information card, please bring this to your appointment.
Examples of implants NOT compatible with MRI scanners include:
- Ear implants or hearing aides
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Metal coils or stents inserted in blood vessels
- Neurostimulators or implanted programmable devices
- Cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers
- Glucose Monitors
Other devices we ask that you discuss with your doctor, Beam care coordinator, and MRI technologist include:
- Artificial heart valves
- Implanted drug infusion ports or pumps
- Artificial limbs or joint prosthesis
- Metal pins, screws, plates, stents, or staples
- IUDs
- In general, please make us aware of any foreign object or device within your body.
As MRI’s utilize powerful magnetic fields, certain implants can pose a risk of movement, injury, or burns within the body. Certain metal implants can cause distortion in images and result in a non-diagnostic exam. Tattoos in the area of examination are also at high risk for causing excessive heating (sunburn sensation), and may also have the effect of distorting the image.
It is important to discuss any pre-existing health conditions prior to your exam to ensure an MRI is right for you.
Some MRI exams utilize an injection of contrast dye called Gadolinium to enhance certain body structures on the imaging.
Some common indicators for contrast include the following:
- Arthrograms
- Tumor/mass
- Infection or abscess
- Vessels
- Post spine surgery
- Abdomen/pelvis (including prostate)
If you have a known contrast allergy, you’re on dialysis, or you are pregnant please let booking and the technologist know prior to your exam.
Additional MRI Screening Options
Through The Beam Health Assessment Program
Total Screen MRI
Mammography is a special type of medical imaging that is used to detect and diagnose breast diseases, including breast cancer. It involves taking low-dose X-ray images of the breasts to look for any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue even before a patient or doctor can feel a lump. At Beam, we offer both screening and diagnostic mammograms.
Core Screen MRI
Automated whole breast ultrasound, also known as ABUS, is a specialized imaging technique used in addition to mammography for breast cancer screening. It involves the use of an automated ultrasound device that produces detailed images of the entire breast using sound waves.
Breast ultrasound does not use radiation.
Torso Screen
Diagnostic breast ultrasound is an ultrasound of the breast tissue used to investigate a specific concern, new breast symptom, or as a supplement to another screening exam such as mammography. The ultrasound provides imaging of the internal breast tissue by using a transducer and ultrasound gel, just like an ultrasound of a different part of the body.
This is a painless exam and does not use radiation.
Neuro Screen
Biopsy is a type of procedure that removes a small amount of a tissue or fluid from a nodule in order to analyze its composition. Breast biopsy is performed under imaging guidance to ensure accuracy when taking a sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be processed and characterized.
Interested in booking a MRI screen?
Your Health is Important to Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please
contact us. We look forward to supporting your journey to better health.
