Author: rad40

How will I receive the results of my MRI scan?
The results of your MR scan will not be available immediately. The results will be sent to the clinician/surgeon who referred you for the MR scan.
It is important to contact the MRI department on 01-8094826 PRIOR to your MRI scan appointment if you have or have had any of the following:
A pacemaker
An artificial heart valve
Aneurysm Clips (these are metal clips that are inserted during some operations, especially in the blood vessels or the brain).
Metal fragments in the eye, head or body (if you suspect that a metal fragment may have entered your eye, particularly if you have ever worked with a lathe or metal grinding equipment, please contact us for advice)
Any surgery in the six weeks prior to your appointment
Any surgery which involved placing implants in your head or body
Reprogrammable shunt

Vagal Nerve Stimulator
If you are or may be pregnant
Directions Note:
Please check your appointment letter to confirm if your MR scan is booked for the main MRI Department in Beaumont Hospital or the MRI scanner located in the St. Lukes Radiation Oncology centre.
Directions (MRI Beaumont Hospital)
The MRI Department is located in the radiology department on the lower ground floor of the hospital. Please check in at the main x-ray reception desk on arrival.
Directions: (MRI St. Lukes Radiation Oncology building) SLRON
Go to the lower ground floor of Beaumont Hospital and walk toward St. Raphael’s children’s ward. As you approach this ward take the turn to the right (signposted) along a connecting corridor to SLRON. Please check in for your MRI appointment at the reception desk in the SLRON building.

Date Issued: August 2021
Review date: August 2023
Author(s): Radiography Management Team
Approved by: Imaging and Interventional Radiology Directorate Team

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Beaumont Hospital
Imaging and Interventional
Radiology Directorate
MRA SCAN
(Magnetic Resonance Angiography)
Patient Information

Welcome to the
MRI
Department

Important Note
Please check your appointment letter as to whether your MRI examination appointment is scheduled for Beaumont Hospital or for MRI in St. Lukes Radiation oncology centre located on Beaumont Campus

Introduction
A MRA scan has been requested for you and this leaflet explains what this scan involves
What is an MRA scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field to produce high quality images in multiple planes or directions. The images are generated using superconducting magnets and pulsed radio waves. Magnetic resonance imaging uses non ionising radiation, unlike x-rays which use radiation.
MRA is a commonly performed examination to assess the vessels (arteries and veins) of any region of the body. The most common parts of the body to have an MRA scan on are; the brain, lower limbs, kidneys, and spine.
Is an MRI safe?
Because of the strong magnetic field used to produce the MR image some people are not suitable for scanning by MRI. It is important for us to know if you have metallic/electrical implants or have had certain operations. Therefore you will be asked to complete an MRI safety questionnaire prior to your MR examination to determine if it is safe for you to proceed with your MR scan. If you have any queries or doubts when filling out the questionnaire please consult the radiographer prior to your scan.

What happens during the MRA scan?
The MRI scanner is a circular brightly lit machine with a wide central core that is open at both ends. The radiographer will position you on the MR table either head first or feet first depending on the part of the body to be examined. The MR table will slide slowly into the MR scanner so that the part of the body under examination is positioned in the centre of the magnet bore. As the MR scan is very noisy we will provide you with ear protection. We can play music via the radio or a CD during the scan if you wish. We can see and hear you during the scan and you will be provided with an emergency button which you can press if you need assistance. It is important to remain very still during the scan. There are no after-effects from an MRA scan.
How long will it take to perform the MRA scan?
MRA scans normally take 20-40 minutes. As Beaumont is an acute hospital there may be occasions when other patients may need to be scanned urgently which could mean you experience a delay to your appointed time. Please allow for 1 and a half hours in the MRI department on this basis. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your MRI appointment to ensure delays are kept to a minimum.
Will I need an injection?
Many MRA examinations involve the administration of an MR contrast medium which is injected into a vein and helps to increase the quality of the information obtained from the MR images in certain conditions. The contrast agent used in MRI is not the same as that employed for x-ray or CT examinations
What preparation is needed for an MRA scan?
Because of the strong magnetic field you will be asked to remove any metal objects such as jewellery, hearing aids, etc.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for your MRI.
Please read your appointment letter carefully and completely. If you have any queries regarding implants, operations, previous allergic reactions to MR contrast, your appointment time or if you are pregnant please contact the MRI department on 01-8094826 / 4827