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Where Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Performed?
MRI is available at Royal University Hospital (since1992) and Saskatoon
City Hospital (since1999).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bookings
Requests for MRI information and/or services are accepted from
specialists only.
MRI Consultation Form (PDF)
MRI Central Booking for both Royal University and Saskatoon City
Hospitals:
Phone: (306) 655-2412
Fax: (306) 655-2416
Email: mricentralbookings@saskatoonhealthregion.ca
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
The MRI at Royal University Hospital
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive procedure that uses
magnets, radio waves and specialized computer software to produce
images of the body. The system is capable of performing high-resolution
neurological (brain and spinal cord) imaging, functional imaging,
cardiac imaging, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), spectroscopy,
breath-hold abdominal imaging, cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP)
and much more.
Patients undergoing MRI examination must lie very still on their
back in a large cylinder for 30 minutes to two hours depending on
the examination being performed.
Royal University Hospital uses a Siemens Magnetom Symphony 1.5
tesla MRI system with Syngo 2002b-version software. Saskatoon City
Hospital uses a similar but smaller 1.0 tesla Siemens Magnetom Harmony
MRI system.
How Is The Procedure Performed?
MRI Image of a Brain
A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times
stronger than the pull of the earth. The hydrogen protons within
the body will align with this field. When focused radio frequency
pulses at a certain frequency are broadcast toward the aligned hydrogen
protons, they precess, then begin relaxing, then emit a signal picked
up by receiver coils. These signals are converted to an image similar
to 'slices' of the body or can be reconstructed to form a three-dimensional
image. There is no ionizing radiation used to produce MRI images.
Patients must lie very still on their backs for 30 minutes to two
hours. Some examinations require the injection of a MRI contrast
agent. Following the examination patients can resume all of their
normal activities.
Occasionally, patients will feel confined or claustrophobic in
the magnet cylinder and may require reassurance and oral sedation
to minimize this sensation. Infants and small children usually require
a general anesthetic in order to hold still long enough to have
this examination.
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare?
- Upper abdomen exams - Do not eat or drink for six hours before
the examination. This includes liver, pancreas, biliary system
[MRCP], gallbladder etc.
- All other MRI exams – No preparation
Safety Screening
The MRI nurse or technologist will perform a safety screening on
you and anyone else entering the MRI suite with you. The safety
screening consists of questions regarding previous surgery, occupation,
and history of metal fabrication/welding/grinding. You may be required
to have x-rays of the eye area to check for metal fragments.
What Do I Wear?
Please consider wearing comfortable clothing without zippers and/or
snaps such as a sweat suit. Hospital gowns and pajamas can be provided
if necessary.
Metallic objects are not allowed in the MRI suite. These objects
include but are not limited to: cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips,
implanted electronic devices of any kind, jewellery, canes, removable
dental work, cell-phones and beepers, scissors, etc.
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