Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan)

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan)?

MRI uses a powerful magnet and radiofrequency waves to obtain extremely detailed cross-sectional images of the body. MRI is the preferred method for imaging the brain and spinal cord and all the major joints of the body. It is capable of scanning all areas of the body including the internal organs and uses no ionising radiation to create the images.

MRI at Noosa Radiology

Specialists and GP MRI referrals can be bulk billed at Noosa Radiology if they meet Medicare eligibility criteria. Our reception staff will inform you of any associated fees at the time of your booking.

MRI scanners are cylindrical machines with open ends. Our MRI’s internal diameter is 70cm, one of the largest on the market, which helps improve the patient experience and reduce the anxiety of claustrophobic patients.

The area to be scanned is placed in the middle of the machine and a receiver coil is placed over the part of the body to be imaged. The main cylindrical part of the scanner will emit loud pulsating sounds which energise your body while the coil acts as an antenna, receiving signals from the body part of interest.  The MRI computer transforms these signals into a digital picture. Images are stored on our picture archiving system.

All MRI’s performed at Noosa Radiology are reported by Radiologists specialised in MRI imaging.​

Preparing for your examination

Please be aware that all MRI scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange an appointment time.​

What to bring:

  • A referral from your GP or specialist​
  • Medicare card​
  • Pension/concession card

In most cases, no advance preparation is required prior to your MRI. Eat normally and take any medication as usual, unless your doctor or Noosa Radiology staff have given you other instructions.

​MRI safety ​

Patient safety is of utmost importance when entering an MRI room. At the time of booking your MRI, and when you arrive at our clinic for your appointment, you will be asked a series of safety questions.​

An MRI scanner is a very strong and powerful magnet. The magnetic field around the machine is always ON, even when we are not scanning. It is essential we know what has been implanted in your body before you can enter the MRI scan room. All medically implanted devices need to be assessed and cleared by the technologist and doctors. Please ensure you have detailed implant information, ie make and model, available for our staff to investigate.

Please let your referring doctor and our staff know if you have any of the following:​

  • Cardiac devices or pacing wires​
  • Ear or Cochlear implant​
  • Neurostimulator​
  • Aneurysm clips​
  • Vascular stents

Please let us know at the time of booking if you are pregnant.

All MRI patients are given an emergency buzzer to contact the technologist if there is a problem during the scan. Hearing protection is necessary within the scan room. Patients are offered earplugs and/or headphones which music can be played through.

Reasons for MRI

  • An MRI offers a safe and efficient method for diagnosis of many medical conditions
  • MRI produces the most detailed images of the brain, spine and musculoskeletal system​
  • Our 3D submillimetre volumetric scans thoroughly assess cartilage, ligaments and nerves​
  • Many GP MRI requests of the brain, cervical spine and knee can be bulk billed
  • No radiation.
  • No known health risks​
  • Specialist MRI radiologists reporting the images

What to expect

All patients undergoing an MRI must fill out an MRI questionnaire. This is to obtain medical information and to ensure you are suitable to undergo the scan. Most patients are provided with a gown. All loose objects must be removed from your pockets before you can enter the scan room. This is because the strong magnetic fields can cause these objects to become safety hazards, and affect the quality of your scan. The MRI will also erase any cards with magnetic strips, such as your bank or credit cards.​

​You will be asked to remove:​

  • Your watch​
  • Keys
  • Phone
  • Wallet
  • Hearing aids​
  • Piercings within the scanned area

In the imaging room, you will be asked to lay down on a table which will align the area of your body being imaged to the middle of the scanner. A device called a coil may be placed over the area being examined. This acts as a receiver for the radio waves produced by the MRI machine. We will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible. It is very important that you remain relaxed and still while we are scanning. Each body part takes approximately 20 minutes to scan.​

A few examinations require an intravenous contrast agent. This is given as an injection during the study. It is important to tell your doctor and the Noosa Radiology staff if you have suffered a reaction to MRI contrast in the past, or have kidney problems.​

​During the examination, you will hear loud repetitive noises and may feel a slight vibration through your body. Headphones are provided with an assortment of music to help you relax and soften the noise of the machine. Throughout your exam, you will be able to contact and speak to your technologist via an intercom.​

​What happens if I am claustrophobic?​

Our MRI machine has a wider bore, so there is more room within the machine. If you suffer from claustrophobia or are uncomfortable with restrictive spaces, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for you to complete the scan. Our doctors can administer sedation intravenously in severe cases for a fee. Just mention this at the time of booking and make sure you have someone to drive you home afterward.​

When can you get your results?

The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Noosa Radiology our highly trained and qualified radiologists interpret the images and provide a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider usually within 24 hours, although depending on the complexity of the scan this may take a little longer.​

You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.

Related information

Upcoming closure:

Please note that our clinics will be closed on Monday, 5 May for the Labour Day public holiday.

Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, 6 May

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!

Upcoming closure:

Please note we will be closed in observance of
ANZAC Day on Friday, 25 April.

Lest We Forget

Thank you for your understanding. Normal hours resume from Saturday, 26 April.

Upcoming closure:

Please note our adjusted hours over the Easter period.

Good Friday (April 18): Closed
Easter Saturday (April 19) Closed
Easter Sunday (April 20): Closed
Easter Monday (April 21): Closed

Normal hours resume from Tuesday, 22 April.
Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Easter!

Upcoming closure:

Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred to our community, we will be closed on Friday 7th March and Saturday 8th March for the safety of our staff and patients. We apologise for any inconvenience and will reopen on Monday 10th March.