Quick version
An MRI scan is an established and radiation-free method for examining the body's organs and tissues with high diagnostic precision. In order for the examination to be safe, correctly planned and medically relevant, you are always required to fill out a digital medical history and conduct a short telephone consultation with a licensed physician prior to referral and booking.
For you as a patient, this means in practice that you need to prepare for the following:
- fill out a digital medical history with a focus on health, implants and any metal in the body
- participate in a short medical consultation where questions and examination plan are ensured
- follow any individual instructions, for example regarding fasting or fluid intake for certain types of MRI
- avoid makeup, hair products and remove piercings when examining the head or neck
- let us know in advance if you experience anxiety or claustrophobia, so that the examination can be planned in a safe manner
In most cases, you can leave the office immediately after the examination. However, if sedatives have been used, you should refrain from driving or operating other vehicles for the rest of the day.
An MRI scan is a safe and established method for creating detailed images of the body's organs, joints and soft tissues without X-ray radiation. For many people, an MRI is an important step in understanding symptoms, confirming a suspicion or ruling out disease. In order for the scan to be as accurate and effective as possible, there are a few things that are good to know in advance.
Doctor's consultation before your MRI
Before the scan, it is mandatory to conduct a telephone consultation with a licensed physician. The purpose is to ensure that the question is clear, that the right type of MRI is planned and that the scan can really provide a meaningful answer. This is a central part of our quality assurance and helps ensure that your scan is medically relevant and well-adapted.
Before you are examined - medical history and safety
Before your MRI scan, you will be asked to fill out a digital medical history via our sample response service. There you will answer questions about your health, previous illnesses and any implants or metal objects in your body. These may include pacemakers, vascular clips, neurostimulators, metal fragments or certain types of prostheses. This is necessary to ensure both patient safety and correct performance of the examination, and if necessary, additional questions may be asked by the performing unit.
The purpose of the medical history is to:
- ensure that MRI is a suitable examination for you
- plan the correct examination protocol based on the specific question
- increase the chances of clear and clinically useful answers
How to prepare for MRI
In most cases, no special preparation is required, but in some situations specific instructions may be needed depending on the area to be examined. For example, if your stomach or abdomen is to be examined, you may need to refrain from eating and drinking for a few hours before the examination. If special preparations apply to you, you will always receive clear information in good time.
Some examinations require filling the intestines with fluid to improve image quality. You will then be given a saline-based fluid to drink when you arrive at the X-ray department. To reduce interference with the images, you may also be given medication that reduces bowel movements. These can cause temporary side effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision for a few hours.
Make-up, hair products and piercings
If you are going to have your head or neck examined, you should avoid wearing make-up, hair wax and other cosmetic products on the same day. Some products may contain metal particles that cause interference with the image material. Piercings and jewellery should always be removed before the examination, both for safety reasons and because the metal can heat up or affect image quality.
Anxiety and claustrophobia
An MRI examination does not hurt, but it is common to feel anxious about lying still in a confined space. If you have claustrophobia or know that you easily feel uncomfortable, it is important to let us know well in advance of the examination. This will allow us to plan the examination in a way that creates the best possible safety.
There are several options that can help:
- sedating medication before the examination, prescribed by a doctor after a conversation
- the possibility of bringing a loved one as support, if conditions allow
- in special cases, the examination can be planned with sedation or anesthesia
Contrast agent - when is it used?
In some MRI examinations, contrast agents are used to improve image quality and make structures or changes clearer. Contrast agents can be given into the blood via a venous catheter in the arm or hand, or in some cases as a drink depending on the area being examined. Contrast agents are excreted via the kidneys and it is therefore often recommended that you drink extra fluids during the day after the examination. Most people tolerate contrast media well, but allergic reactions can occur, although this is uncommon.
After the MRI examination
After the examination is completed, you can usually leave the clinic immediately. If you have been given sedatives, you should not drive or operate a vehicle for the rest of the day.
You will usually receive the final result after the MRI within 5-7 working days
The time to respond varies depending on the scope of the examination and how quickly the images are assessed by the radiologist. The statement is sent to the responsible physician and the first feedback is usually in writing. In the event of any deviations or findings, feedback is primarily provided by telephone and is then followed up by written response. If necessary, we always offer medical follow-up to explain the findings and discuss any next steps, which is included regardless of the examination.
