Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves (not radiation) to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets, resembling a tunnel (or a donut) that has both ends open. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily aligns all the water molecules in your body. Radio waves cause these aligned particles to produce very faint signals that are used to create cross-sectional MRI images, like slices in a loaf of bread.
The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. Due to the magnetic field, it is very important that you remove any metal objects before going into the MRI room. The procedure is painless and typically lasts an hour. You must hold very still because movement can blur the resulting images. In some cases, contrast agents are injected into your veins to enhance the appearance of certain tissues or blood vessels in the images.
Contact Info
76 Grenville Street
Floor 2
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2
Booking Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
7:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
At Women’s College Hospital our MRI scanner is wider and shorter than most, the larger bore provides greater comfort to patients who are claustrophobic or distressed in tighter spaces.
Women’s College Hospital specializes in breast MRI, although images of all other body parts are also performed, including chest, musculoskeletal, neuro (brain) and abdomen.
A referral from a physician is required.
ELECTRONIC REFERRALS
The Joint Department of Medical Imaging is now accepting referrals through Ocean eReferral to help everyone save time and to increase efficiency.
Ocean Network eReferral benefits for providers include:
- Accelerates appointment booking by improving communication between providers with secure bidirectional messaging
- Easy to use – integrates with top EMRs such as Telus PSS, Accuro and Oscar
- User friendly web-based portal
- Keeps you and your patients informed of referral status with automated email notifications and EMR status updates
- Patients can confirm appointment electronically
Ocean eReferral Network: For more information about eReferral can be found here.
FAX REFERRALS
The MRI Request Form (.pdf) is PDF writeable enabling external referring physicians to type directly into the form, print, sign and fax to Women’s College Hospital.
Typed requisitions will improve overall legibility and completeness of the forms we receive. Please note this electronic version cannot be populated and saved, but must be printed, signed and faxed to the appropriate number indicated on top of the form.
Learn about how to prepare for your MRI:
What do I need to do to prepare?
Preparation for your MRI is simple: eat as you normally would and complete your normal routine activities. Speak with your referring doctor if you have any questions or if you take any medications.
What will I feel during the scan?
MRI procedures cause no pain. However, the MRI machine requires that the patient remain still during the examination, which may be uncomfortable due to lying down on your stomach. You may feel hot during contrast injection.
How long will the exam last?
The exam will take 45 minutes.
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
Drink water throughout the day to help eliminate the contrast.
When can I expect results?
The results will be sent to your referring doctor. This can take up to one week.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Preparation for your MRI is simple: eat as you normally would and complete your normal routine activities. Speak with your referring doctor if you have any questions or if you take any medications.
What will I feel during the scan?
MRI procedures cause no pain. However, the MRI machine requires that the patient remain still during the examination, which may be uncomfortable for some.
How long will the exam last?
This depends on the type of MRI exam. Some procedures can take 30 minutes and others may take up to an hour.
What am I supposed to do after the exam?
There are no specific instructions for post-procedural care if no contrast injection.
When can I expect results?
The results will be sent to your referring doctor. This can take up to one week.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Preparation for your MRI is simple: eat as you normally would and complete your normal routine activities. Speak with your referring doctor if you have any questions or if you take any medications.
What will I feel during the scan?
MRI procedures cause no pain. However, the MRI machine requires that the patient remain still during the examination, which may be uncomfortable for some.
How long will the exam last?
This depends on the type of MRI exam. Some procedures can take 30 minutes and others may take up to an hour.
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
There are no specific instructions for post-procedural care if no contrast injection.
When can I expect results?
The results will be sent to your referring doctor. This can take up to one week.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Preparation for your abdominal MRI: No food or drink 4hrs prior to the MRI. You may drink enough water to take any necessary medications
What will I feel during the scan?
MRI procedures cause no pain. However, the MRI machine requires that the patient remain still during the examination, which may be uncomfortable due to lying down on your stomach. You may feel hot during contrast injection.
How long will the exam last?
It will take up to an hour.
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
Drink water throughout the day to help eliminate the contrast if you have contrast injection.
When can I expect results?
The results will be sent to your referring doctor. This can take up to one week.