MRI is safe and uses no ionising radiation whatsoever. It works using a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency waves, neither of which causes the cell-level damage associated with X-rays, CT, or fluoroscopy. MRI has been used safely in medicine since the 1980s and there are no known harmful effects from the magnetic field or radio waves used in standard MRI examinations.

The main safety considerations in MRI are related to the powerful magnet attracting metal objects (loose metal objects become dangerous projectiles near an MRI scanner) and the heating of certain implanted metallic devices. This is why safety screening is mandatory for all patients before entering the scan room.

MRI scanners require significant infrastructure including purpose-built shielded rooms, specialist installation, and a Medicare licence granted by the Australian Government. The Gisborne clinic was purpose-built to house our 3T Siemens Magnetom Lumina, which has recently been installed and commissioned.

The Gisborne location gives us the space to operate a large, high-field scanner and the licence to bulk bill eligible patients. We are proud to bring this level of MRI capability to communities in Melbourne's north-west, an area that has historically had limited access to affordable, high-quality MRI.

Yes, our MRI is bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders with a valid referral. This is only possible because our scanner is fully Medicare licensed.

In Australia, private MRI providers must hold a licence from the Department of Health to claim Medicare rebates for MRI services. Many private MRI providers either do not have a licence at all (meaning patients pay full private fees of $300-$700+) or hold a partial licence covering only certain body parts. Our licence covers a comprehensive range of MRI examinations, enabling us to bulk bill the majority of referred studies.

Please bring your Medicare card and valid referral. Our reception staff will confirm bulk billing eligibility when you book.

Claustrophobia is one of the most common concerns patients raise about MRI and it's completely understandable. The scanner bore (the tunnel you slide into) has a diameter of approximately 70cm, and the combination of enclosed space and loud noise can be challenging for anxious patients.

There are several strategies that can help:

• Let us know when you book: our radiographers are experienced with anxious patients and will explain every step, talk you through what's happening, and proceed at your pace
• Music and communication: you can choose music to listen to during the scan, and our radiographers can speak with you at any time via intercom
• Call button: you hold a call button throughout and can stop the scan at any point
• Mild sedation: for patients with significant claustrophobia, your GP can prescribe a mild anxiolytic (such as diazepam) to take before the appointment. If you take sedation, you will need someone to drive you home

The majority of patients who are anxious about MRI are able to complete their scan with the right support and preparation. Please speak to our staff openly about your concerns, we will do everything we can to help.

This depends entirely on the specific device and its model number. Many modern pacemakers and implanted devices are now classified as "MRI conditional" meaning they can safely undergo MRI under specific conditions (field strength, scan parameters, body region). However, older devices may not be MRI compatible.

The key steps are:

• Call us before your appointment with the device name and model number (found on your device card or in your surgical records)
• We will check the manufacturer's MRI safety data
• If the device is MRI conditional, we will coordinate with your cardiologist or the device manufacturer as required
• Do not simply assume your device is safe always verify

Most hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are MRI safe and they are made from non-ferromagnetic alloys. Dental fillings, bridges, and crowns are generally fine. Metal fragments near the eyes are of particular concern (especially for welders or machinists) and may require plain X-rays before MRI can be approved.

Gadolinium is an intravenous contrast agent that enhances the visibility of blood vessels, areas of inflammation, and certain lesions on MRI. It is given by injection through a small cannula in your arm. Gadolinium is not the same as CT contrast (iodine-based), it has a different chemistry and a very different safety profile.

Not all MRI examinations require contrast. Whether you need it depends on what body part is being scanned and your clinical indication. Your radiologist will confirm this based on your referral. Common studies using gadolinium include: brain tumour assessment, MS lesion characterisation, liver and adrenal lesion work-up, breast MRI, prostate MRI, and MRA.

Gadolinium is very safe. Serious allergic reactions are rare (approximately 1 in 10,000). Patients with significantly impaired kidney function require careful consideration before receiving contrast, as gadolinium is excreted by the kidneys and we will check your kidney function (eGFR) if clinically relevant.

MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy and it does not use ionising radiation and there is no known harm from the magnetic field to the developing baby. However, as a precaution, MRI is typically avoided in the first trimester unless it is clinically urgent. This is because the first trimester is the period of greatest fetal development, and while no adverse effects have been demonstrated, the caution is maintained out of prudence.

MRI in the second and third trimesters is well established and widely used when clinical need exists. Please always inform our staff if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before your scan is performed.

MRI contrast (gadolinium) is generally avoided during pregnancy as it crosses the placenta, and the long term effects on the foetus are not fully established. Your radiologist will make this assessment based on the specific clinical circumstances.

Preparation depends on what is being scanned. General advice for all MRI appointments:

• Complete the safety screening questionnaire honestly and thoroughly before your appointment
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal and no underwire bras, belts, or zip-heavy clothing
• Remove all jewellery and piercings before you arrive if possible
• Leave your watch, phone, and cards in the car or at home
• Continue all regular medications unless advised otherwise

For specific examinations, additional preparation may be required:

• Abdominal / pelvic MRI: fasting for 4-6 hours is sometimes required
• Prostate MRI: some protocols require bowel preparation
• Breast MRI: ideally timed to a specific phase of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women

Our staff will give you specific preparation instructions for your study when you book.