On the day of your MRI scan please bring with you:
- Any recent examination related to the reason for referral
- Previous imaging examinations of the same region
- A medical note from the referring physician stating the indication for the examination (the reason why the examination is being performed)
- The referral form given to you by your physician
- The preparations prescribed by your physician and your creatinine test, if contrast medium is going to be used
- Any identification document, for example identity card, passport or driving license, and your Social Security Number (AMKA)
How the examination is performed
For maximum safety, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire before the examination is performed. Due to the strong magnetic field, before entering the examination room you must remove any metallic object from your body (e.g. jewelry, belt, hearing aids, glasses, and removable dental prostheses). You will then lie on your back on a narrow examination table that slides into a ring-shaped scanner. When the examination begins, you will hear a humming noise, while the technologist will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination via intercom.
Depending on the region being examined, the total examination time ranges from 15 to 90 minutes.
How to prepare
If you are going to be administered an intravenous contrast medium you must have undergone a blood creatinine test, up to 30 days before the MRI scan, if one of the following applies, you are over 65 years of age, you have a history of kidney disease, you are receiving treatment for diabetes or hypertension. If you wish the test can be performed at Metropolitan General on the day of the examination, however you should consider that 1 hour is required for the result to be issued from the time the sample is taken.
It is recommended that you wear clothing and other accessories, (e.g. jewelry), that are easy to remove.
- If you have claustrophobia
Ask your physician to recommend an anxiolytic preparation for the day of the examination. Contact the Department of Radiology - Medical Imaging at +30 210 6502510-2511 8:00–22:00, regarding the possibility of SEDATION. - If you are allergic
If you have previously experienced an allergy to MRI CONTRAST MEDIUM, you should contact the Department of Radiology – Medical Imaging by phone at +30 210 6502510-2511. The referring physician may prescribe special preventive medication. - If you have a defibrillator or pacemaker
You can undergo the examination, if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator compatible with the MRI scanner (MRI conditional). However, the device must be checked and appropriately programmed before the examination. Please call +30 210 6502510-2511 8:00 – 22: 00, in order to schedule it. - ONLY for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the ABDOMINAL region
(e.g. upper and lower abdomen, prostate, rectal protocol, defecography, pyelography)
You must be FASTING 4 hours before the examination. You can take your medication at the usual time only with clear fluids (water, apple juice).
When you should arrive
Come 30’ before your appointment time to complete the required formalities. If you are going to use your private insurance you may need to come considerably earlier than your appointment.
After your examination
After the examination you can return to your daily activities. It is recommended after the end of the examination that you drink plenty of fluids to help the elimination of the contrast medium from your body.
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, the device settings must be restored after the end of the examination.
When you will receive your result
On the day of the examination you will be informed by the Secretariat about the expected date of issue of your result.