You have been booked for an MRI scan of your Breast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test used to diagnose or rule out medical conditions.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

If you have questions about the procedure itself, please call us to speak with our Radiologist.

Instructions to prepare for procedure

Make sure you understand why you are having this procedure. If you have any concerns or questions please contact us or your referring doctor for information and advice prior to your appointment.

If you have a menstrual cycle, we need to scan you between days 7 and 10 of your cycle. This is due to how the breast tissue changes during your cycle.

Initially we will call you to advise you of your referral for a Breast MRI and ask you to call us back when you are on day 1 of your cycle to schedule your appointment.

If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle we can book an appointment time that suits.

Things to know before your appointment

1. Wear clothing that is easy to undress and redress.

2. Your scan may take up to 50 minutes.

3. Please remove all of jewellery and piercings prior to arrival for your appointment.

4. You will be asked to arrive 20 mins prior to your scan time as there is a pre-scan preparation required.

Here’s what will happen when you arrive

You will be asked to fill in or check:

• An MRI safety questionnaire

• A contrast agent consent form (if required)

• A breast information form

• You will be asked to put on a radiology gown

• You will have a cannula put in a vein in your arm for the procedure (if required)

The MRI radiographer will take time to explain these forms and answer any further queries.

The procedure

Ear plugs are provided to protect you from the scanner noise.  Supported by headphones which can also be used to listen to music. 

We value your dignity and privacy and will do our best to ensure we maintain both for you.

For this scan you will be lying on your front with your arms either above your head or down your sides.  There is a specially designed camera unit that you breasts will fit within, while your torso and legs are well supported. 

We will ensure that you are comfortable, with supports and padding.

It is important that you do not move during the procedure.  Any position change or movement can cause image artefact, which means that we don’t receive accurate clear imaging

 In total there will be about 6 sequences throughout the procedure, each lasting approximately 3 minutes. We will let you know between these sequences when you can move your fingers and toes.

We give the IV contrast near the end of your scan, if required.

Post procedure

After the examination you will have the cannula removed from your arm.

You will be shown to the change area where you can use the bathroom facilities and change into your own clothes.

Keep well hydrated for the rest of the day.

Who interprets the results?

A radiologist, a specialised doctor trained to interpret MRI images, creates the formal report of your scan.

The report will be sent to your referring clinician, GP and any other professional involved in your care that you request.

If you have questions regarding your report findings you do need to follow this up with your referring doctor or your GP.

Benefits

• MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to radiation.

• MR images of the soft-tissue structures of the body including the breasts shows more detailed than with other imaging methods. This detail makes MRI a valuable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of the extent of tumours and other pathology.

• MRI can detect abnormalities that might be  obscured with other imaging methods.

• The MRI gadolinium contrast material is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast materials used for x-rays and CT scanning

Sedation Info

If you require sedation for this procedure you will need to discuss this in advance with your GP. If this is required they can provide you with a prescription for a sedative to collect from your chemist. You will need to bring this prescription with you to your appointment and to have advised us in advance that you require sedation as additional monitoring of will be required prior to your procedure and after your procedure.

You will also require someone to drive you home, and stay with you for the next 24 hours

Side effects of some sedation medications can last for up to 24 hours following administration.

You may not remember some of the information discussed, this is a normal side effect.

For the next 24 hours you should not;

• Drive or operate any vehicles or machinery

• Drink alcohol

• Make any important decisions,

• Sign any legal documents

• Travel unaccompanied

If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please call us to speak to our nurse.