A referral form from your doctor (General Practitioner or Specialist Physician) is required. Please print a copy of the MRI Requisition Form and fax it to 604-734-2469. This form is needed before your MRI examination to ensure safety, and to optimize the MRI scan to your unique medical situation. Please contact our office at 604-733-4007, or fill out AIM’s online booking form. If you do not have a physician, we can assist and make arrangements for you to see a family physician for assessment and follow up.
A radiologist, who is a physician specially trained in MRI and other radiology examinations (such as X-ray, CT, ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine), will analyze the images and provide you and your physician a signed report within 5 to 10 business days. Radiologists at AIM Medical Imaging are Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Our radiologists are also involved with UBC internal research and academia.
Yes. Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which will move objects made with iron or steel, let us know if you have any of the following:
- A pacemaker
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- A Neuro-Stimulator (Tens-unit)
- Metal Implants
- Steel Surgical Staples or Clips
- Stents
- Valve Replacement
- An implanted drug infusion device
- Any implant made partially or wholly of iron or steel
Even metal objects not made of iron or steel can interfere with the exam – so don’t bring any of the following into the examination room (a secure private room to store your valuables will be provided):
- Coins
- Dentures or partial plates
- Hearing aids
- Ipod items
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Mobile Cell Phone
- Watches
Magnetic waves can also erase the code on bank cards and credit cards, so please don’t bring your credit or bank cards into the MRI examination room. They should be stored in the locked change room we provide to you. Lastly if you are pregnant, you must inform us.
AIM utilizes an Open Bore MRI scanner. Our scanner permits more than sixty per cent of all scans to be conducted with your head outside of the magnet, which greatly eases the claustrophobic feeling. Your doctor may prescribe you with a sedative. Please arrange the sedative prior to your MRI exam. Please let us know if you need assistance.
We have an Open Bore MRI, which accommodates up to 550 pounds (249 Kg).
Yes, MRI is extremely safe for patients. However there is a risk of injury for patients with metal implants such as pacemakers and brain aneurysm clips. The strong magnetic field used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can pull metallic objects that contain iron. Our helpful staff will screen you to ensure you can safely undergo an MRI exam. Metal objects used in orthopaedic surgery usually pose no risk.
In most cases an MRI exam does not require any injections. In some situations, a substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast agents are considered safe. We perform daily MRI arthrograms on site. The additional fee is $300.
MRI is a pain-free procedure. The scanner is air-conditioned, well lit, and you can talk to the technologist. The MRI scanner produces thumping and humming noises. We offer earplugs and a music system to reduce the noise and to help pass the time. Our system is iPod compatible, feel free to bring your own iPod! The technologist who operates the scanner will observe you from an adjacent room throughout the exam. You will be able to speak with the technologist at any time using a two-way intercom installed in the MRI unit. It is important to remain perfectly still when images are being recorded, but you may relax between imaging sequences. A routine exam normally takes 25 minutes. You may resume your usual activities immediately after the exam.
Yes. Click here for a Referral Form.
All MRI examinations require a referral from a physician licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. A general practitioner or specialist physician can request an MRI scan.