Key Information
Health Concerns
Talk to your healthcare provider before your appointment if you have any of the following:
- Implanted Medical Devices
- Metallic injury to eye and other body parts
- Claustrophobia
- A chance of being pregnant
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
MRI exams have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or unborn babies. Thousands of pregnant patients have safely undergone MRI scans with no evidence of adverse effects. Current medical guidelines indicate that MRI is safe during the second and third trimesters. Studies also show that MRI exposure during the first trimester has not been linked to increased risk to the fetus or long-term effects in early childhood.
If you are breastfeeding and require gadolinium-based contrast for your MRI exam, it is generally safe to continue breastfeeding immediately. Research shows only a small amount of contrast is passed into breastmilk.
If you prefer to be extra cautious, you may express and discard breast milk for 24 hours after your exam. During this time, you can feed your baby with stored breast milk or formula. After 24 hours, you can safely resume breastfeeding.
The decision to proceed with exam is always yours. We encourage you to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you.
Sedation
We DO NOT provide or administer sedation on the day of your appointment. If you require medication to help you relax for your exam, please talk to the referring physician before your appointment. If sedation is prescribed, you must bring the medication and a support person to accompany you to the appointment. Your exam will be rescheduled if you arrive without a support person.
MRI Visit: Step by Step
Before
You will receive an automated reminder notifications via SMS prior to your scheduled appointment – please confirm or cancel.
To reschedule, please call our booking office at least 48 hours in advance at 905-787-5700 ext. 1094. Your prompt notice helps us serve everyone better, as imaging appointments are in high demand.
Be sure to follow appropriate preparation instructions for your upcoming exam.
Please let us know if you need language support, translation or accessibility assistance. We provide interpretation and translation services to ensure you have all the information you need before your appointment. Schroeder Ambulatory Centre is a scent-free environment.
Examination
When you arrive at Schroder Ambulatory Center, please check in at the Registration Desk A near the Leslie Street entrance.
The technologist will review and complete an MRI safety screening form with you. This form is required for every visit to ensure your safety and to keep your medical history up to date.
You will change into a patient gown to ensure your clothing doesn’t interfere with the scan. Please remove metal items such as jewelry, belts or hair pins. During your exam, you will hear loud, rhythmic thumping noises – this is completely normal. To protect your hearing, you will be provided with earplugs before the scan. You may feel slightly warm during the scan, especially during longer examinations. This is normal, as the scanner can create a little heat.
Exams typically take 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of exam.
Exam Results
After your MRI exam is completed, your images are reviewed and reported by a radiologist—a physician who specializes in interpreting diagnostic images. Technologists cannot provide scan results or diagnoses at the time of your exam.
Please note that your report may take up to five (5) business days to become available, although it is often available sooner.
You can access your results in two ways:
- Patient Portal – Sign up to access your diagnostic imaging report once it becomes available.
- PocketHealth – Sign up to access both your diagnostic images and report.
Reports on the Patient Portal become available approximately 24 hours after the radiologist’s report has been finalized.
Images and reports on PocketHealth also become available approximately 24 hours after the radiologist’s report has been finalized.
Your report will also be faxed to your referring healthcare provider as soon as it has been finalized.
If you would like access to the Patient Portal or PocketHealth, please speak with one of our staff members for assistance with registration.
MRI FAQs
Do I need to tell MRI staff if I have an implant or medical device?
Some implants are MRI-safe, while others are not. MRI staff will complete a safety screening form with you at every visit to ensure your safety. It is important to inform the technologist if you have any implanted medical devices, such as electronic or metal implants. Please remember to bring your Implant Card to every appointment. If your implant cannot be confirmed as MRI-safe, your exam may need to be rescheduled until it can be verified, or other options may be discussed.
I am Claustrophobic, what can I do?
The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Schroeder Ambulatory Centre does not offer sedation medications. You can speak with your physician ahead of time about having sedation prescribed, if appropriate.
Some other ways to help you get through your exam include:
- Communicating with the MRI technologist through the intercom
- Practicing visualization/relaxation techniques
- Closing your eyes or using an eye cover, such as a washcloth or eye mask
- Reminding yourself why this exam is important for your care
Does MRI use Radiation?
No. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images —no ionizing radiation.
What if I am pregnant?
There are no known risks to pregnant women or unborn babies from MRI exams. Thousands of pregnant women have had MRI exams, and no harmful effects to the baby have been found. Recent medical practice guidelines have shown:
- Magnetic resonance imaging is safe during the second and third trimesters.
- Exposure to MRI during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk of harm to the fetus or with any long-term effects in early childhood.
Gadolinium-based contrast is not known to pose significant risk during pregnancy; however, if contrast is recommended, you may speak with the radiologist to discuss the benefits and risks before proceeding.
About MRI
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging technique that uses both magnetic fields and radio waves to image the human body. This allows MRI to create highly detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and joints, which are harder to see on CT scans. MRI provides detailed images without exposing you to radiation, making it a preferred choice for many types of soft tissue imaging.
MRI Safety Practices
Because MRI uses a strong magnet, safety screening is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable exam. When you arrive in the MRI department, you will complete a screening form and review your medical history with the MRI staff. Certain metallic objects and medical or mechanical devices cannot enter the MRI room, and staff will take precautions to prevent this.
Please inform the MRI staff if you have any of the following:
- History of eye injury with metal or metal fragments elsewhere in your body
- Surgical procedures, including interventional or angioplasty procedures
- Implanted medical devices
Sharing this information is important to ensure your MRI can be performed safely.