Cardiac MRI FAQs
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Most cardiac MRI scans do not require any special preparation. If you are having an adenosine-stress CMR study, you will be advised at the time of booking what preparation is required.
You will be asked to change into a gown during the procedure, so we recommend wearing clothes that are easy to remove.
Some people may find the MRI scanner claustrophobic which can prevent them from completing the MRI scan. If you have experienced this previously or have any concerns, please let our bookings staff know and we will talk through the options available to you.
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The patient experience video provides an overview of what will happen during your cardiac MRI scan.
So our team can perform your scan safely and effectively, you are required to complete a patient safety questionnaire and change into a gown which we will provide. You will also be asked to remove any jewellery, hearing aids, dentures and any other loose items. Your belongings will be safely stored for you during your examination.
We will then place some ECG dots on your chest using a special abrasive gel to prepare your skin. In most cases we will need to give you a small injection of an MRI contrast dye into a vein in your arm so that we can get more detailed information about your heart tissue.
During the MRI scan you will need to lie flat on your back for about an hour. Each scan is planned specific to you while you are on the table so it is important you don’t move during the scan. We’ll make you as comfortable as possible using pillows and blankets. During this time you will be asked to hold your breath for short periods at a time (10-15 seconds) when requested by the radiographer.
When the images are being taken, you will hear loud banging noises. To protect your hearing, we’ll give you earbuds and headphones. Through the headphones you’ll be able to listen to music of your choice and also hear the radiographer talking to you.
You will be given a button to press should you at any time want to talk to the radiographer or stop the scan. The radiographer is watching you at all times and will be talking to you often throughout the scan.
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Because each study is tailored specifically to you, the length of the examination will vary depending on your medical history and the reason for your scan. Please allow up to 2 hours for your cardiac MRI scan.
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At Queensland X-Ray we take patient safety very seriously. MRI can be extremely safe provided all safety precautions are followed. MRI uses very strong magnetic fields and some people may be at risk in this environment.
When you book in for your MRI at Queensland X-Ray and when you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked a number of questions to make sure you don’t have any medical implants, devices or medical conditions that may put you at risk. Please let our staff know if you have any of the following:
- Cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Cochlear or stapes implant
- Neurostimulator
- Aneurysm clips
- Active implanted biomedical device
- Infusion pump
- Continuous glucose monitor
- Any other implants or devices in your head or body
What to expect when you visit us
We’ve created this patient experience video that provides an insight into what it’s like to have a Cardiac MRI scan at Queensland X-Ray.
Watch: Having a Cardiac MRI at Queensland X-Ray
Technology
The centrepiece of our cardiac MRI (CMR) service is the purpose-built Cardiac MRI Centre at the Mater Hospital Brisbane featuring the latest generation 1.5 Tesla Siemens Sola wide-bore MRI scanner. Queensland X-Ray incorporates current and emerging imaging techniques into everyday practice ensuring patients receive world-class imaging in line with evidence-based complex contemporary clinical practice. Our Mater Brisbane practice also features a dedicated CMR image analysis centre using industry-leading Circle Cardiovascular Imaging software.
Our Cardiac MRI Centre at Mater Brisbane provides a state-wide service for our regional Queensland X-Ray practices. All CMR performed at our regional practices is supervised in real-time by our CMR team in Brisbane who also perform the CMR analysis and reporting for every study. This way we ensure that wherever you have your scan, you will benefit from the expertise of our specialty staff.
Our team
To perform cardiac MRI requires expert knowledge and experience in image acquisition, comprehensive protocoling, close real-time supervision and expert post-acquisition image analysis to yield reliable, reproducible and clinically useful structural and functional information.
With a team of highly trained and experienced cardiac MRI radiographers, cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and support staff, Queensland X-Ray ensures patients receive the best possible service, care and clinical outcomes.
All Queensland X-Ray cardiac imaging specialists (radiologists and cardiologists) are fellowship trained and credentialed in cardiac MRI and CT. They all maintain an expert level of clinical and technical knowledge through high volume caseload combined with continual discipline-specific professional development. Over and above credentialing, our specialists are skilled in the latest CMR techniques, including exposure to pre-commercial release software, with a focus on the application of these techniques to the clinical question.
You can find out more about each of our cardiac imaging specialists by clicking on the links below.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.