MRI for
Children
What to know
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe, painless and powerful diagnostic imaging test. MRI technology is very complex but essentially uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce exquisite images of many of the body’s internal structures. MRI is a very safe test because it does not use radiation to collect the images.
Does any of the following apply to you? If so please contact us as soon as possible.
- You have ever experienced a severe reaction to a previous injection of contrast media
- You suffer from asthma or have kidney disease
- You are a diabetic
- You have a pacemaker in your body
Do you require an interpreter?
Is the patient non-english speaking? If so, we can arrange for an interpreter to be present during the appointment. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the relevant arrangements.
- Before you have your scan, you and your mum or dad will be asked some questions to make sure you have no metal in your body that is not safe to go into the scan room
- you will be asked to change into a gown
- Please make sure mum or dad bring all of your previous x-rays to the appointment.
- Your mum or dad are very welcome to come into the room with you whilst you have your scan, we just need to make sure it’s safe for them as well, so please request two screening forms from reception
- When you enter the room, you will be asked to lay on the bed and a camera (coil) will be placed on the area of your body we are taking pictures of.
- The scan does not hurt but it does make lots of loud banging, thumping and whirring noises so you will be given some earplugs or headphones as hearing protection.
- You will also be given a buzzer to hold that you can squeeze to stop the scan if you are not comfortable at any time
- When you are ready you will be moved into the middle of the tunnel and the scans will start
- In-between the pictures being taken, the radiographer will talk to you to make sure you are okay
- It is very important that you lay as still as you can during your scan, so the pictures come out clearly
- Most scans take between 20 and 30 minutes
- We do not offer sedation for children, if you feel your child may not be able to tolerate an MRI scan, please discuss alternative options with your referring doctor
- Our staff are happy to try performing an MRI on your child and we can stop at any stage if required
- Following the MRI, your images will be reviewed and reported by one of our specialist Radiologists
- Please advise the reception staff if you have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your referring doctor.
Most scans can be done without any need for an injection, however, sometimes we do need to give a special dye as part of the test. If you need an injection, the technician will talk to you and your mum and dad about it first.
If the injection is required, you may need to present to one of our other clinics for this to be performed.
Please download and print out our MRI Safety Screening Form, complete it and bring it to your appointment. If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, please contact us prior to your appointment to discuss.
