About the magnetic resonance (MR) examination method

Magnetic resonance is a very modern examination technique which does not work on the principle of X-rays, but rather uses a very powerful magnetic field. It is a safe form of examination which can scan the structure of organs down to the finest details. Magnetic resonance is irreplaceable during neurological, orthopaedic, oncological and other types of examinations. The great advantage of this method compared with other imaging methods in diagnostic radiology is the greater accuracy when displaying most organs, which is the result of the differing intensity of signal for the differing soft tissues. Moreover, this imaging is conducted without potentially harmful ionising radiation.

1. Risk factors for magnetic resonance:

Despite the fact that no adverse effects of a magnetic field have yet been defined, there are risk factors which must be taken into account. These primarily include the existence of metal objects in the patients body, which could cause complications and problems in the case of a magnetic resonance examination.

• Implanted cardiac pacemaker or merely clips left in
• Ferromagnetic clips following an operation on brain vessels
• Foreign ferromagnetic body in the eye, for example after accidents

• Metal clips after operations on the brain, vessels
• Metallic joint replacements
• Cochlear (ear) implants, hearing aids
• Metal fragments other than in the eye
• S T E N T S (vessel reinforcements)
• Kidney disease
• Liver transplant

Whether or not you are pregnant at the time of the examination is also fundamental. It is necessary to inform the doctor of this fact. He will then decide whether a magnetic resonance examination is possible and safe depending on the stage of pregnancy. Examination is usually performed after the end of the first trimester (12th week) of pregnancy.

If the patient has a fixed dental brace, it is necessary to discuss this matter with the treating doctor because the dental enamel could be damaged. Metallic dental fillings do not prevent the examination in any way, but they could cause a deformation of the image in the area of the face or brain. Metal buckles or hooks on underwear could also cause inaccuracies in the image, as could piercings and tattoos located on the examined part of the body.

Please inform the workers in the magnetic resonance examination room of all these facts, or discuss them in advance by telephone on the number +420 534 008 354.

2. Contrast agent for magnetic resonance:

In certain cases a contrast agent is applied to the patient before the examination. This serves to improve the image of the examined area and accentuates structures in the patient’s body. The contrast agent is applied intravenously (most often in the arm). These substances are relatively safe, and adverse reactions are very rare. If they should occur, they are expressed by nausea, vomiting and giddiness. Allergic reactions are also very rare. In spite of this, warn the MR workers of your proven allergies.

Preparation for magnetic resonance examination

Course of examination

No special preparation is necessary before the start of the examination. Before the examination you can eat and drink according to your standard routine. But only do so in such amounts so that during the examination you do not suffer from a lack of them or an excess which would lead to the examination process having to be interrupted. Examinations in the area of the stomach constitute an exception – for example examinations of the liver, pancreas and especially the biliary ducts (MR cholangiography - MRCP), when you should not eat or drink for at least 2 hours before the examination.

After arriving in our facility you will be asked to read and sign instructions (so-called informed consent) containing basic information about the magnetic resonance examination. With this consent the patient confirms that he or she has been acquainted with the risks and contraindications of the examination.
You can download the consent in PDF or DOC format, you can print it out in advance and bring it with you to the examination already filled in.
If anything is unclear to you, or if you have any questions, please announce them to the personnel before the start of the actual examination. In this way you will avoid potential complications.

After the MR worker calls you for the examination, you will be shown to a changing room where you will take off your clothes, jewellery and personal items, and you will change into a gown which has been prepared for you. All valuables will be locked up in this changing room for the duration of the examination, and no one will have access to them. The main aim of this measure is primarily the need to protect your telephone, watch, credit cards and other personal items sensitive to magnetic fields from any damage.

Actual magnetic resonance examination

You will be placed on a bed which moves into the ring of the machine. This is a cylinder approximately 60cm in diameter and approximately 130cm in length. The examined area is always inside this ring.
The actual examination is wholly pain free, and the only unpleasant thing is the loud noise which the equipment makes during the examination. As a result the personnel will offer you earphones so you can listen to music, or you can ask for earplugs.

For your safety, during the entire examination you will be holding a signalling device which you can use to call the operator and ask for help. For the entire time the workers will be in contact with you via a microphone, and they will gladly help you if needs be.

The duration of the examination depends on the area which needs to be displayed. Most frequently the examination lasts between 20 and 50 minutes, and the patient is under constant observation via cameras for this entire time.
Despite the fact that the examination lasts a relatively long time, it is essential that the patient should remain still and not move for the entire period. As a result of this optimal results will be gained.

After magnetic resonance examination

Although a magnetic resonance examination has no ascertained side effects, it tends to be evaluated as “more demanding” by some clients.

If after an examination a patient feels well, does not have a feeling of nausea and has not been giving calming medicines, he or she may continue in their routine.

Should complications arise (nausea, giddiness, weakness), inform the MR workers of this, and they will gladly help you.

Private clients

Upon request we offer private clients the possibility of paying for an MR examination. On the basis of your requirement we will give you a provisional calculation for the required examination.

Magnetic resonance video guide