The Steps of the MRI examination
MRI受付

1.Register at the reception desk.
Submit your reservation paper and wait to be called.

↓2.Your name will be called by the person incharge.
3.Before entering the MRI room, you shouldchange into the gown provided at the locker.
Put your removable metal articles in the locker
and give the key to the attendant.

Patient's Guide to MRIThis istheMRI examination

MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) is a system for examining theinner parts of the body with the use of a strong magnet. It is a
non-surgical process that can take cross-sectional pictures ofthe body from various angles.

*Care to be taken when undergoing MRI*

↓4.Please wait at the locker until you arecalled.

The magnet used in the MRI does not usually affect the humanbody. However, in some cases, the following patients may not
be allowed to undergo an MRI :5.A person in charge will take you to theMRI examination room.

1.Those having a pacemaker or
stimulating electrode

6.Lie down on the bed and relax your body.
You will be moved into the MRI machine. Depending on theexamination, most of your body will be inside the machine.

2.Those having metallic implants suchas artificial joints
3.Those with claustrophobia, or those who are afraidof being in narrow places
4.Those who cannot keep their body still for an extended periodof timeSuch patients are requested to inform their attending physician
or Radiological Technician of their situations in advance.

Any metal items should be taken off
before undergoing the examination.
They may be damaged or may affect the examination result.
7.If you feel unwell, squeeze the rubber ball to call theattendant.
（This is the emergency call.）Osaka Red Cross Hospital Depertment of Radiology MRI section

Special features of MRI
1.Noisy
During your examination, you will hear a continuous, pounding sound.
This is normal.

2.Confined space
The inner diameter of the MRI machine is about 50centimeters.
If you have a problem with claustrophobia you should not have theexamination.

3.MovementThe examination takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Movement ofyour body may affect the examination results of your MRI.
Therefore, you should remain completely still during yourexamination.

4.Metal objects
Any jewellery of metal objects should be removed during theexamination. If you have a pacemaker or any surgical implants
made of metal, you are requested to tell your doctor in advance.

5.Limited examination
Your MRI will be Limited to only one part of your body. MRIs forseparate body parts require separate examinations.

6.Scheduling
You should reserve your examination day and time.
To reduce the waiting time of the patient, a special schedule ismade depending on the type of examination.

Things to be done before undergoing MRI
The following items may be damaged or affect the examinatioin
results and should be removed in advance:
1.Metal objects
watches, glasses, keys, coins, hairpins, accessories, dentures, hearing aids,
undergarments containing wire or metal, body warmers, magnetic muscle relaxants,
lighters, cellular phones, beepers,belts, etc *Before entering the MRI room, youshould change into the examination gown provided.

2.Magnetic cards
cash cards, telephone cards, credit cards, commutation tickets, etc.

☆.Unremovable rings,and dental work are permissable, but you arerequested to inform the Tecnician before the examination.
☆.If you have tattoos・tattooed eyebrows・eye shadows which
may contain metal depending on the coloring matter, you are requested
to inform your doctor in advance.
（薬務公報第1517号）

What are contrast media for MRI？
In some cases, a contrast medium is used for a more detailed
examination, to enhance the quality of the image. Normally, the contrast
medium is injected intravenously. However, some media are also takenorally.
Contrast media are drugs with comparatively few adverse
effects. But, beware if you have:
1. had asthma
2. had renal insufficiency
3.experienced a skin allergy or felt unwell when using contrast
media for MRI in the past.
*Contrast media for MRI differ from those used for a CT examination.
There are fewer side effects associated with the contrast media for MRI
than for CT.