MRI of the Prostate

What to know

Find available location Make an appointment

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 the prostate. MRI does not use radiation. 

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.

At the time of booking, you will be asked some questions, including if you’ve had a recent prostate biopsy and some MRI safety questions.
Fast for 6 hours before the appointment (or from midnight).
Approved clear fluids only during this time, including:
- Water, clear apple juice, jelly, black tea or coffee, Bonox, fruit cordial, clear broth, bouillon, Lucozade or barley sugar lollies
Nothing to eat or drink 1 hour prior to the scan.
Light meals recommended 24 hours before your appointment:
- White fish or chicken: boiled / steamed / grilled
- Eggs, Tofu
- White pasta, white rice
- White bread, white pita, white flour chapattis
- Potatoes with no skin eg. mashed, boiled
- Clear soups (no solid bits eg. sieved chicken noodle), Bovril, Oxo.
Please try to empty your bowel prior to attending the appointment.
Please arrive 45 minutes before your appointment, as you will be given a Micro enema to further help clear any gas or solids from the rectum, this will improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
You will be requested to provide a copy of the referral prior to the appointment.

On arrival, you will be asked to complete a screening form before your examination.
You will then be given a Micro enema to help clear any gas or waste from the rectum; this will improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Once you are positioned on the MRI table, you will be given an injection of Buscopan into a vein to help reduce bowel movement during the scan.

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.