MRI of the Breast
What to know
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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 breast tissue.
Does any of the following apply to you? If so please contact us as soon as possible.
- You suspect or know that you may be pregnant
- 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.
- The scan may need to be booked at a particular time in your menstrual cycle. This will be discussed when your appointment is made
- Always bring with you any previous breast mammograms or ultrasound images
- A copy of your referral will need to be provided to the clinic prior to the appointment
- Not all MRI breasts are claimable through Medicare, so you may be liable for the full fee
- At time of booking, you will be asked if you’ve had previous imaging of your breasts and where it was performed as these images will be reviewed with the MRI
- At the time of booking, you will be asked some MRI safety questions to make sure it’s safe for you to enter the MRI room.
- During the MRI scan usually an injection of intravenous contrast is required. A small needle will be put into a vein in your arm for the administration of contrast medium called gadolinium
- The scans are taken with you lying prone (on your stomach) so that your breasts are positioned with in a coil (a special piece of equipment) which collects signals to construct an image. Your arms are positioned above your head
- Your breasts are gently compressed into position. After the preliminary scans are taken, the contrast is injected, and the scans taken immediately.
- If you are being scanned because there is a concern that your implants are ruptured, you will not need the injection of the contrast medium as ruptures are easily visualised
- The technicians can speak with you during the procedure. You will be provided a buzzer if you need to stop at any time
- The time in the MRI room is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. After the examination you should be able to resume your normal activities
- Your images will be reviewed and reported by one of our specialist Radiologists
- Please advise our reception team if you have a follow up appointment with the referring doctor.
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.
