Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio-frequency (RF) pulses within a magnetic field to create detailed images throughout the body. Particular strengths are in detailed images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, and blood vessels. MRI is one of a variety of diagnostic imaging technologies, including conventional and digital X-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Each plays a vital, complementary role in modern medical diagnosis. However, unlike other imaging modalities, MRI is completely painless and without side effects. No x-rays are used. MRI is sometimes used to avoid the dangers of angiography, repeated exposure to x-rays, or for patients who cannot receive x-ray contrast.
Conditions such as tumours, strokes, multiple sclerosis, herniated discs, ligament tears, and plaques in blood vessels can be exquisitely diagnosed using MRI. Every scan that is conducted at Kingston MRI will be medically indicated and ordered by a physician certified with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Kingston MRI uses two state-of-the-art Philips Achieva MRI units.
Kingston MRI has a Quality Advisory Committee that monitors quality control and assurance programs. This includes patient surveys, physician questionnaires, and inspections by an MRI physicist. Patients must be referred by a CPSO-certified physician to receive a scan at Kingston MRI.
MRI FAQ
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radio-frequency (RF) pulses within a magnetic field to create detailed images throughout the body. Particular strengths are in detailed images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, and blood vessels.
MRI uses a magnetic field and radio frequency pulses (radio waves) to produce images. Patients must lie flat on a table within the magnetic field. Radio waves are then sent into the magnetic field where the body is triggered to emits a signal through a small release of energy. The MRI detects that energy and a computer turns it into images.
There are a variety of diagnostic imaging technologies such as conventional and digital X-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a special imaging technique that produces 3D detailed images of your internal structures. MRI is particularly helpful in providing detailed images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, abdominal organs, pelvic organs, and blood vessels. The benefit of MRI imaging is that it is completely painless and without side effects as there is no harmful radiation. It is sometimes used in place of more dangerous procedures such as angiography, repeated exposure to radiation, or for patients who cannot receive iodinated contrast.
MRI is especially useful in diagnosing conditions such as tumours, multiple sclerosis, strokes, herniated discs, ligament tears, and plaques in blood vessels. A physician certified with the College of Canadian Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is required to order every medically indicated scan performed at Kingston MRI.
You can receive MRI scans providing you are referred by an Ontario physician certified with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Simply mail or fax a requisition form signed by a referring Physician. The requisition will then be prioritized by an MRI Radiologist and our personnel will call to schedule an appointment.
This completely depends on the type of examination ordered. On average, patients should expect to be in the office for an hour.
