MRI-scan

During an MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), certain signals are generated in the body using a large, strong magnet and radio waves. These signals are subsequently received by an antenna. Therefore, no X-rays are used in an MRI examination. A computer then processes the signals into an image that can be viewed on a screen.

Read also: MRI scan: what can you expect? A radiologist explains step by step how the examination goes.

Where and how to make an appointment

Where: AZ Monica Campus Deurne, Florent Pauwelslei 1, 2100 Deurne.
Appointment: call +32 3 320 57 70 (working days from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or use the appointment form for Campus Deurne.

Please bring your prescription and identity card.

Related examinations: MR arthrography, CBCT

Is an MRI examination safe?

Not everyone can simply undergo an MRI examination. The strong magnetic field attracts metal. Therefore, tell us in advance about any implant or device in or on your body, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, insulin pump or glucose sensor, cochlear implant, vascular clips, a heart valve or stent, and metal fragments (especially in the eye). Also tell us about medication patches, piercings, tattoos and permanent make-up. Bring your implant card: the radiology department will check whether, and under which conditions, the scan can be done safely.

MRI does not use radiation and has no known long-term effects. During the scan you may feel some warmth, a slight tingling or brief dizziness. If you feel heat, stinging or pain, press the alarm button immediately: we will stop the scan.

If you have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis, please tell us in advance. The radiologist will then assess whether a contrast agent is needed and which agent is safest.

The gadolinium-based contrast agent is generally very safe. Briefly feeling some warmth or nausea is possible. An allergic reaction is rare: about 1 in 1,000, and almost always mild, such as itching or a rash. A severe reaction occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000. Tell us in advance if you have ever reacted to a contrast agent or if you have asthma.

What about pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Tell us if you are (or might be) pregnant. An MRI without contrast agent can be done when it is medically necessary, even early in pregnancy. An examination that can wait is preferably postponed until after the first three months; discuss this with your treating doctor. We only give a contrast agent during pregnancy when it is really necessary. After receiving a contrast agent, you can simply continue breastfeeding.

What to expect

Before the examination

Since there is a large strong magnetic field throughout the room, it is prohibited for safety reasons to bring in any metal object and/or electronics. You will therefore be asked to remove all metal objects and/or clothing containing metal and, if necessary, simply put on a bathrobe. Glasses, dentures, and hearing aids are also not allowed in the scanner room. If you wear a pacemaker or other implanted device (e.g. a neurostimulator), be sure to tell us in advance and bring your implant card.

If there is the slightest doubt about your safety, you will not be allowed into the examination room, for your safety and ours. When the examination concerns the head or neck area, it is important not to use make-up or hairspray.

Usually you can eat and drink normally before an MRI examination, even if a contrast agent is needed, and you take your usual medication. For some examinations, such as an MRI of the abdomen, you need to fast; you will be told when you make the appointment.

During the examination

During the examination, it is important to lie as still as possible and relax as much as possible. Depending on which part of the body is examined, the examination takes 15 to 30 minutes. Performing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is accompanied by a loud, knocking, and monotonous sound. To reduce the loudness, you will receive headphones and, if desired, extra earplugs.

During the examination, you will lie on a table that is slid into a tunnel. The tunnel is open on both sides. If a problem occurs during the scan, you can always alert the technologist with the alarm button.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, please tell us when you make the appointment. Your treating doctor can prescribe a sedative. If you take it, do not drive a car, ride a bicycle or ride a motorbike yourself that day, not even to come to us. Have someone bring you and pick you up, do not drink alcohol and tell us on arrival that you have taken the medication.

After the examination

The radiologist makes a report of the image findings. You will receive a code/link with which the images and the report can be viewed by yourself and the requesting doctor. How this works is explained on the Results page. The referring doctor will discuss the radiologic results with you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an MRI scan take?

The examination takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the part of the body. During the scan you lie as still as possible.

Can I eat and drink before an MRI?

Usually yes, even if a contrast agent is needed, and you take your usual medication. For some examinations, such as an MRI of the abdomen, you need to fast; you will be told when you make the appointment.

I suffer from claustrophobia. Can I still have an MRI?

Please mention it in advance when you make the appointment. The tunnel is open on both sides and with the alarm button you can always reach the technologist. Your treating doctor can prescribe a sedative. If you take it, do not drive a car, ride a bicycle or ride a motorbike yourself that day, not even to come to us. Have someone bring you and pick you up, do not drink alcohol and tell us on arrival that you have taken the medication.

Can I bring someone with me?

You may bring someone, but they wait in the waiting room: no one may come with you into the scanner room.

Do I need to fill in anything beforehand?

You can fill in the medical questionnaire for an MRI examination in advance. You will find it on the Documents page, together with the request form for MRI examinations at Campus Deurne for your doctor.

What does an MRI cost outside office hours?

During office hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) you pay no supplement for an MRI. In the evening, at the weekend and on public holidays a supplement may be added (not during a hospital admission and not if you are entitled to increased reimbursement). The current amount is on the rates page.