MRI is a test that uses a​ powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to make clear and detailed pictures of organs and structures inside the body. MRI doesn’t use ionizing radiation like x-rays or computed tomography (CT) sca​ns.

During the test, you’ll lie on a table that’s attached to a large donut-shaped machine, called an MRI scanner. You may get contrast dye injected into a vein or in a drink that you swallow. This helps to show p​arts of your body more clearly.

MRI helps find tumours and diagnose diseases of the liver, heart, and intestines.

Learn more about general MRI tests or choose a specific test from the list below:

How to get ready for your MRI

Instructions may vary depending on the type of MRI you're having. The instructions below explain how to get ready for your MRI so it can be done safely and correctly.

Follow the instructions for your specific MRI test carefu​lly. If you have questions about the information on how to get ready for your test, call the imaging department where you are having your test.

MRI instructions

• Abdomen patient instructions
  
• Abdomen enhanced patient instructions
• Anesthesia patient instructions - Pediatric
• Breast biopsy patient instructions
  
• Cardiac patient instructions
• Cardiac stress patient instructions
• Defecography patient instructions
• Enhanced patient instructions
• Enterography patient instructions
• Non-enhanced patient instructions​​
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MRI with positron emission tomography (PET)

Sometimes MRI is used with a PET scan. PET is a type of nuclear medicine test. Nuclear medicine imaging tests use a special camera and tiny amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers. The test checks how well organs and other parts of your body are working.

• Brain enhanced patient instructions
• Brain non-enhanced patient instructions
• Enhanced patient instructions
• Non-enhanced patient instructions​​