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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Contact Us
Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note that a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Useful Information
Opening hours
General MRI
- Eccles Street & Northern Cross: Monday to Friday 8am - 12am | Saturday to Sunday 9am - 5pm
- Cherrywood: Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm | Saturday to Sunday 9am - 5pm
Cardiac MRI
- Eccles Street: Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm | Saturday to Sunday 9am - 5pm
- Cherrywood & Northern Cross: Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm | Saturday to Sunday 9am - 5pm
About MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI is an imaging technique which uses a strong magnetic field to produce high-quality images of the body. MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation. In simple terms, an MRI machine is like a huge magnet.
Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to produce MRI images. There is no Ionising radiation used. We are exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves on a daily basis, for example, when listening to the radio.
Scan time varies depending on which area of the body / how many body parts we are scanning. Generally, scan times range from 15 minutes up to one hour; the radiographer will let you know on the day how long the scan will take. You are constantly monitored by staff during the scan.
What you should know
At the time of making your appointment, you will be asked a series of questions to determine if it is safe for you to have an MRI scan.
MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation but uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. These may interact with metal in your body (for example implants, prosthesis, metal fragments, accessories, clips, zips, etc) and certain medical implants may either not be suitable for scanning or require special supervision.
The following considerations require review by the MRI clinical specialist radiographer prior to scheduling your appointment and it is important that you inform us if you have any of the following:
- You have a cardiac pacemaker or other cardiac device
- You are or might be pregnant
- You are breastfeeding
- You have an artificial heart valve
- You have had surgery to stop a bleed
- You have any metallic implants
- You have had an injury to your eyes at any time involving metal or metal fragments
- You have an eye or ear implant
- You suffer from diabetes
- You have allergies to MRI contrast dye/gadolinium
- You have poor kidney function
In our day hospitals, we have an open-ended and wider MRI machine that can help if you suffer of claustrophobia.
Some MRI scans require you to fast prior to your appointment. You will be advised of this at the time of making your appointment.
MRI cardiac perfusion scans require specific preparation.
- You will be asked to lie on the scanning table where you will be made as comfortable as possible.
- There is an intercom which allows communication between you and the team during the scan.
- For certain scans and with some of our facilities we can play background music for you to listen to.
- To begin the scan, the table will slide into the scanner. During the scan it is important that you remain perfectly still.
- During the scan, you will hear lots of noise including banging sounds. These will stop and start throughout the duration of the scan and are all perfectly normal – it is just the internal workings of the machine.
- Depending on the area we are scanning, we may need to give you an injection of contrast dye into a vein in your arm. This injection allows a clearer image to be produced in certain instances.
There are no precautions to follow after your scan. You can eat and drink normally, drive and can return to work immediately after your appointment if necessary.
Your scan will be reported by a consultant radiologist. The results will be sent directly to your referring doctor. Please note that the scan results will not be available on the same day.
If you wish to request a copy of your images, please email xraycdrequests@materprivate.ie
You should provide your name, date of birth, Medical Record Number (MRN) (if known) and the date and type of scan. If you are seeing a consultant at Mater Private Network you DO NOT need a copy of your images as they are immediately available for them to view on our hospital's PACS (picture archiving communications system).
MRI patient information leaflets
Contrast Agents PDF | 144KB MRI Cardiac Perfusion Scan PDF | 158KB MRI Dynamic Pelvis PDF | 130KBFrequently asked questions
Scan time varies depending on which are of the body / how many body parts we are scanning.
Generally, scan times range from 15 minutes up to one hour; the radiographer will let you know on the day how long the scan will take.
Yes. MRI scans are incredibly motion sensitive. Each set of images or “sequence” takes approximately two to three minutes. Any movement during that time will affect image quality and may mean the image needs to be repeated, increasing your scan time. The radiographer will let you know over the intercom when you need to stay still and when you can move; if you need to move, cough, sneeze or pass wind, you can let them know over the intercom too.
Yes. Certain items of clothing, particularly those with metal zips or wires can not be worn during the scan. The radiographer will advise you on the day what clothing needs to be removed.
Yes. MRI scanners are incredibly noisy when we are obtaining the images. This is totally normal. You will be provided with headphones or earplugs to distract from the sound and to protect your hearing while you are in the scanner.
Where possible we will provide you with the option to listen to music or the radio during the scan. Certain MRI scans may require you to follow breathing instructions for the duration of the scans so it may not be possible in these cases, as the radiographer will need to talk with you over the intercom.
You will be provided with a “call bell” or “buzzer” for the duration of the scan which you can use to let the radiographer know that you need their attention or that you want to stop the scan.
We have two wide bore scanner in our Day Hospitals in Cherrywood and Northern Cross. Please check with the scheduling team when booking the scan regarding availability and if your insurance provider offers the same level of cover as in Eccles Street.
Certain MRI scans will require an injection of a contrast dye as part of the scan. The radiographer will discuss this with you on the day.
If this is possible, we will give you this option on the day. However, certain scans, particularly when we are scanning areas above the waist, require you to be positioned headfirst.
