MRI scan

An MRI uses a very strong magnet and radio waves that are sent through the body.

You do not notice this. The different tissues in the body then each send back a different signal. These signals are received by special receivers placed on the body. The computer translates these signals into images.

The MRI consists of a tube 1.5 metres long with a diameter of 70 cm. The tube is illuminated on the inside and open on both sides. The part of your body that needs to be examined is placed in the middle of the tube, so you are only partially inside it. The signals that the body gives off in this way are translated by the computer into images.

Want to know more?
Wikipedia.org/wiki/MRI-scanner

Because of the strong magnet in the MRI machine, metal objects should not be allowed into the room. Therefore, please leave all metal objects at home. If you have any metal objects in your body, you cannot have an MRI scan.

MRI examination is sometimes not possible in these cases:

• You have a pacemaker
• You have a knee replacement, shoulder replacement or hip replacement
• You have something else made of metal in your body, for example a splinter in the eye or a clip after a vascular operation.

If you are not sure if you can go on the MRI, please fill in the screening form below and then contact us.

Fill in the screening list

In order to prepare properly for the MRI, we will ask you to complete the MRI screening form and bring it with you to your appointment. This list asks questions about the presence of metals in your body and other aspects relevant to the examination. If you have answered more questions with 'yes', please contact us.

Please note: If you do not follow the preparation instructions properly, the examination may not be able to take place. A new appointment will be made.

What do you take with you?

• Wear comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zips.
• Please bring your punch card or if you don't have one, your identification (passport or identity card).
• Please take the application letter from your GP with you.
• Take the MRI screening list with you.

  Because of the strong magnet in the MRI machine, metal objects should not be allowed into the room. Therefore, please leave all metal objects at home. If you have any metal objects in your body, you cannot have an MRI scan.

  MRI examination is sometimes not possible in these cases:

  • You have a pacemaker
  • You have a knee replacement, shoulder replacement or hip replacement
  • You have something else made of metal in your body, for example a splinter in the eye or a clip after a vascular operation.

  If you are not sure if you can go on the MRI, please fill in the screening form below and then contact us.

  Fill in the screening list

  In order to prepare properly for the MRI, we will ask you to complete the MRI screening form and bring it with you to your appointment. This list asks questions about the presence of metals in your body and other aspects relevant to the examination. If you have answered more questions with 'yes', please contact us.

  Please note: If you do not follow the preparation instructions properly, the examination may not be able to take place. A new appointment will be made.

  What do you take with you?

  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zips.
  • Please bring your punch card or if you don't have one, your identification (passport or identity card).
  • Please take the application letter from your GP with you.
  • Take the MRI screening list with you.

If you prepare well, the examination will go smoothly and quickly.

At home

• You can eat and drink normally and take your usual medicines.
• Choose clothes and shoes that do not contain metal.
• Do not put on eye make-up.
• Leave your jewellery at home.
• A piercing made of silver, gold or other precious metals can stay in place.
• Please bring your insurance card or if you don't have one, your identification (passport or identity card).
• Please take the application letter from your GP with you.
• Here you can find the directions to CliniX.
• It is no problem at all to take someone with you.

In the hospital

• CliniX is located at the radiology department in the Zaans Medical Centre.
• Please check in at the CliniX desk 10 minutes before the time of your appointment.
• The assistant will show you to the waiting room. Always report to the desk first and do not go directly to a waiting room because then we do not know that you are actually there.
• There are often several people in the waiting room who come for a different type of examination, so it can happen that someone who comes into the waiting room after you will be helped sooner.

The research

• A lab technician will ask you to come along and show you to a changing room.
• You (and your companion, if any) must leave any metal objects in the changing room. Wait quietly in the changing room until you are called.
• The laboratory technician or radiologist will then show you how to sit on the examination table.
• An additional support with built-in receivers is placed on the part of the body to be examined.
• The laboratory technician will explain when you can use the alarm bell.
• Once you are lying comfortably, the lab technician will slide the table top into the MRI tube.
• During the scans, you will hear different types of sound. To muffle the sound, you will be given earplugs or headphones. You can bring your own CD to listen to.
• When the sound stops, one recording is finished. A scan consists of several recordings.
• You must lie still during the filming.
  A recording can last from two seconds to five minutes.
• When all the recordings have been made, the examination is finished and the lab technician will take you out of the MRI.
• An examination usually lasts about half an hour.

Going home

• The results will be sent to your doctor or physician.
• He will contact you to discuss the results.

The (general) practitioner who requested the examination will receive the results within 24 hours. He/she will contact you to discuss the results.

Is there a waiting period?

CliniX has a short waiting time. You can be admitted within 5 working days.

Where is the research done?

CliniX is located in the Zaans Medical Centre at the Radiology Department.

What should I bring?

Always bring your insurance card and proof of identity (passport or identity card). Bring your referral note and the MR screening form. Make sure you have comfortable clothes, without metal buttons or zips.

What about MRI and metal objects?

Because of the strong magnet in the MRI machine, metal objects should not enter the room. It is important that metal objects do not enter the room because of the strong magnet. Therefore, leave all metal objects at home.

How long does the examination last?

The examination usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes.

Are there any risks or side effects?

There are no known risks or side effects.

When do I get the results?

You will receive the results from your doctor.

Will the research be reimbursed?

Most of the time it is. Click here for an overview.

What about pregnancy?

It has not been proven that an MRI scan is harmful to the unborn child. If you are less than three months pregnant and an MRI examination is necessary, please contact us.

What about Claustrophobia?

People with severe claustrophobia usually do not dare to go into the MRI. If you have severe claustrophobia, ask your doctor for a sedative. Most tranquillisers affect the ability to drive, so make sure that you do not have to drive yourself in this case.