Our ServicesMagnetic Resonance Imaging

What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging method using magnetic field, radio waves and a computer system to form detailed diagnostic images of the body.

The advantages of MRI include superior soft tissue contrast, multiplanar scanning capabilities and the absence of ionizing radiation. It can clearly demonstrate the location, morphology and extent of disease processes. It is most useful for imaging the brain, spine, spinal cord, muscles, joints, breasts, prostate, heart, abdominal organs and blood vessels.

Who Needs an MRI Scan ?

Cancer :
MRI diagnoses and stages tumour, and monitors tumour change during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We also offer MR Bone Scan to see if the cancer has spread to the bones. A bonus of this study is we can look at the soft tissues as well.

Heart disease :
MR cardiac examination is a 1-stop-shop, enabling evaluation of cardiac anatomy, cardiac functions, and myocardial viability (i.e. looking for infarction) in one examination.

Stroke :
A complete stroke package consisting of MR brain including diffusion imaging specifically for stroke identification, MR angiography of brain, MR angiography of neck is available.

Musculoskeletal problems such as back pain or knee injury :
MR is the state-of-the-art evaluation of the entire spine, muscles and joints of the body.

Your doctor generally decides whether a MRI scan is needed. Some common indications are patients with : With fast scanning capabilities, MR Body Check and MR Whole Body angiography is now a reality for people who are asymptomatic but prefer to check their body. With the installation of the 3T scanner, we can now do the MR functional brain studies.

Services
With a family of advanced MR scanners, we proudly offer the most comfortable and reliable MRI experience.

MAGNETOM Espree
Espree is the first wide bore MR magnet with high field strength (1.5T) in Hong Kong. Its gantry is as wide as a CT scan. With a prefect combination of bore design and matrix coils, it achieves extensive coverage and high-resolution images for whole-body scanning. Patient comfort is also maximized with no compromise on image quality. For details, please see milestones.

MAGNETOM Essenza
This 1.5T system is one of the most cost-effective MRI scanners ever. With its short bore, Essenza promises a reliable and comfortable MRI experience. For details, please see milestones.

Siemens Magnetom Trio (3 Tesla) – a Tim System
The Siemens Magnetom Trio (3 Tesla) whole-body MRI scanner is Asia’s first fully integrated high-field 3 Tesla system with Tim technology. It has superior resolution and speed, taking 3T clinical power to the extreme. For details, please see milestones.

GENERAL ELECTRIC Signa 1.5T Excite High Definition MRI Scanner
In March 2006, our GE Signa 1.5T Twin Speed Excite MRI Scanner was upgraded to Signa 1.5T Excite High Definition Scanner. With its short-bore magnet, it is ideal for MR-guided interventional procedures, such as MR-guided focused ultrasound, MR-guided breast biopsy, etc. For details, please see milestones.

Why 3T instead of 1.5T ?
A 3T MRI scanner has twice the field strength of a 1.5T MRI, therefore it has a much stronger signal. This enables faster imaging and higher resolution images, which improves diagnostic accuracy. It becomes the new gold standard for routine brain imaging, conventional as well as functional studies. The latter include diffusion tensor imaging (fibre tract imaging), BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) imaging, MR spectroscopy and MR brain perfusion. Spine and musculoskeletal imaging are similarly enhanced. Body imaging can now be done without breath-holding.

For Those Who Are Going to Have an MRI Examination

How should I prepare for the examination ?
No preparation is required.

How long will the examination take ?
It normally takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the examination. Longer time is required for scanning more than one part of the body.

What should I do during the examination ?
The only thing we will ask you to do is to stay still and relax throughout the examination.

What happens during the examination ?
1. In the scanning room, you will be required to lie down on a sliding couch inside the scanner. Warm blankets will be provided to keep you warm and comfortable.
2. During the examination, you can communicate with our staff via an intercom.
3. You will not feel any discomfort but hear a constant drumming noise during scanning. Ear plugs or ear phones will be provided.
4. You may also have a pulse monitor and/or electrocardiogram sensor attached.
5. You may receive an injection of a MR contrast medium, a colourless liquid that enables the radiologist to better see the structures being studied and to better diagnose your condition.

What should I do after the examination ?
You can eat or drink as usual after the examination. The result of your scan will be communicated to your referring doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions
I have had previous surgery (e.g. a replaced hip). Can I undergo MRI ?

Yes. Many people with prostheses and prior surgery can undergo MRI. There is a special list put out each year saying what types of surgical clips, prostheses and devices are safe to go with the MRI scanner for health care professionals to refer to while arranging MRI for their patients.

Even though MRI examination is so superior, there are some people who cannot enter the MRI examination room. These are people with pacemakers, aneurysm clips in the brain and metallic foreign body in the eye. Patients with other prostheses or implants should inform our staff to check the compatibility of these devices with MRI scanning.