Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Whitehorse General Hospital is home to Canada’s first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner north of 60.

MRI exams are requested by a physician and prioritized based upon medical urgency by the radiologist.
 

How it Works

MRI is a safe and advanced diagnostic test that uses very powerful magnets (rather than radiation) along with pulses of radio waves to make detailed images of structures inside the body.

More information is available in the WGH MRI Program Brochure (PDF).
 

Where to Go

Enter the hospital through the main entrance. Check in for your appointment at the MRI reception, which is located through the doors on the left as you enter the Main Atrium. 
 

How to Prepare for your MRI Test

• Bring your Yukon health care card
• Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time (MRI reception does not open until 7:00 AM)
• Do not wear any jewelry/leave all valuables at home
• Continue to take prescribed medications as normal unless otherwise advised by your physician
• For some exams you may be required to fast for 4-8 hours. Unless you are told otherwise, continue to follow your normal diet.
   

What To Expect

Upon arriving at the MRI suite, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff that will register and help you get ready for your test. Our dedicated MRI Technologist will walk you through the procedure and conduct your exam.

You will be required to change into a hospital gown and remove any/all objects that are not permitted in the MRI room. This includes all metallic, magnetic, electronic and mechanical implants, devices or objects. Your items will be securely locked for the duration of your exam. Once inside the MRI room, you will be asked to lie down on the bed, which will then slowly move you into the machine.

The MRI exam will take approximately 30-90 minutes depending on what exam your physician has ordered. Throughout the entire exam, the MRI machine will make various loud thumping sounds. Music or earplugs will be given to muffle the noise and help you be more comfortable and relaxed. Depending on your physician’s order, a contrast injection through an IV may be necessary to help better visualize the area being imaged.

How is it Different from Other Tests?

While X-ray machines produce detailed images of dense materials (like bones), MRI is better for producing images of soft tissues, like muscles, ligaments and tendons.

There are many reasons to use MRI such as neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and oncological investigations, but the test may also be done to provide additional information about an issue seen during a CT, x-ray or ultrasound exam. MRI exams are widely used in hospitals for medical diagnosis, staging of disease and for follow-up.

CT can often be confused with MRI, in part, because both machines look quite similiar. In fact, their use depends on what your doctor needs to know. Dr. Philip Pattison, radiologist for Whitehorse General Hospital, explains the similarities and differences between MRI and CT as well as why each are used and what you can expect if you come to hospital for an exam.

Additional Information

Medical Imaging
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