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MR scan (magnetic resonance)

MRI
Radio waves in the magnetic field generate signals inside the body. A computer then processes the signal intensities into various cross-sections of a particular part of the body.

MR questionnaire

Complete this questionnaire in advance (pdf) and bring it with you to the examination in the interest of your own safety. 

MR questionnaire in other languages:

Appointments

RX Radiology

Preparation

  • You do not need to be nil by mouth for an MRI.
  • Report to the hospital 45 minutes before your appointment.
  • Leave metal objects (jewellery, piercings, hair pins) at home. 
  • Do you have custom-made ear plugs? Bring them with you to the examination.
  • Warn the nurse before the examination about the following:
    • pregnancy (or a suspicion of pregnancy)
    • piercings or jewellery you cannot take off. 

Procedure

Duration: depending on the type of examination. Most examinations take between 20 and 30 minutes, but some examinations take longer, some up to an hour.

  • Position yourself on the examination table.
  • If necessary, contrast fluid will be injected.
  • Subsequently you will move through a large tunnel.
    • Open on both ends.
    • Well-lit and well-ventilated.
  • While the scans are being made you'll hear knocking sounds.
    • Try to keep still as much as possible, and hold your breath for a little while. 
    • You'll get headphones or earplugs so that the noise doesn't bother you as much.

Depending of the part of your body being examined, the procedure of MR scan can run differently. It is possibly you will be asked to make certain movements. 

Increased reimbursment

For asumptomatic patients with a strongly increased risk for breast cancer (lifetime risk of 30% or more) reimbursment of the annual MR scan is provided. 

Check the conditions to check whether you are eligible for this type of reimbursment. 

Last edit: 18 June 2024