Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a way to take detailed images of organs and tissues (muscles and fat) throughout the body, without the use of X-rays. MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves and computers to produce images that will help your doctor determine if you have an injury or disease.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

For all MRI appointments:

Safety is of utmost importance to us. If you need help standing or walking, please have someone come with you to your Diagnostic Imaging appointment. 

Claustrophobia: MRI exams can cause people to feel claustrophobic due to the design of the machine. The technologists will work with you to provide comfort for the exam. If you are claustrophobic, please have your physician prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to take the day of the study. For your safety you will be required to have a designated driver to drive you home once the study is complete. 

Please do not wear scented personal products. Nova Scotia Health Authority is committed to creating a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors who are sensitive to chemicals in scented products. 

Please report to registration 30 minutes prior to your appointment time and please bring your health care card. 

If you have any questions, require scheduling changes, or wish to cancel your appointment, please notify the appropriate Scheduling Department.

Exam Type: Cardiac MRI
No preparation required for this exam. Possible injection. 60 minute exam with breath holds.

Exam Type: IMRT of the Prostate
You will be asked to drink water before your exam.

Exam Type: MRCP and Adrenal Glands
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: MRI - Anal Cancer
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: MRI for Bladder Cancer
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time. Upon arrival will drink a couple of glasses of water before the exam. Possible injection.

MRI for Cervical Cancer
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time. You may receive injection of contrast dye or Buscopan. Injection of gel is also possible.

Exam Type: MRI of the brain
There is no preparation for this exam.

Exam Type: MRI Enterography
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time. Arrive 90 minutes early. Upon arrival you will be asked to drink multiple glasses of Sorbitol in water and may receive injection of Buscopan and Contrast Dye.

Exam Type: MRI of the liver
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: Pancreatic MRI
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: Pelvic MRI
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: MRI of the Prostate
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before appointment time. Light diet day before the exam as described below and fleet enema 2-3 hours prior to exam. Injection of contrast dye.
Examples of foods that can be eaten:

• Sandwich (turkey, ham or chicken)
• Rice -Oatmeal
• Mashed potatoes
• ​Scrambled eggs -Soup broth, bouillon, chicken noodle soup
• Apple, cranberry, cran-apple or orange juice (NO PULP)
• Limited milk or dairy products
• Coffee, tea or powdered lemonade
• Gelatins, flavored, ices or popsicles
• Bananas, peaches or pears

Exam Type: MRI for Rectal Cancer
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: MRI of the Renal Mass
Nothing to eat or drink 4-6 hours before appointment time.

Exam Type: Spinal MRI
There is no preparation for this exam

Exam Type: MRI for MRI Urography
Empty bladder before your test.

How do I cancel/change my appointment?

Please call toll-free at 1-844-I-REBOOK (1-844-473-2665). You will be asked to select the location of your appointment and service.

You will be connected with a team member who can cancel your appointment and help arrange for a new appointment. 

*The DI Re-Book line does not currently connect patients to the IWK Health Centre. If you're trying to re-book or cancel an IWK Diagnostic Imaging appointment, you must call one of the following numbers:

• For IWK Ultrasound: (902) 470-8970
• For IWK MRI: (902) 470-7027
• For IWK X-Ray, CT, Bone Density, or Nuclear Medicine: (902) 470-7962

Wait times

Current average wait times for an MRI with us can be found here.