MRI

A MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body. The MRI machine is a large tube shaped magnet used to diagnose a variety of conditions.

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Test Preparation

• Please remove all metal items including watches, prostheses or braces, jewelry, piercings, dentures, hearing devices and wigs prior to the test.
• We recommend that patients not wear any hair products, jewelry, hair pins, hair extensions, false eye lashes, piercings or makeup for their exam as you will be asked to remove them prior to the test.
• If your appointment is for an abdominal, pelvic or bladder MRI, you will need to fast for 8 hours prior to your test. 
  • You can continue to drink sips of plain water and take regular medication during the fasting period. 
  • For bladder MRI, you will need to have a full bladder and will be required to drink 500mL of water 1 hour prior to appointment. 
  • For those with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or patients with low blood sugar, a light fat-free meal is allowed (for example, dry toast, fruit with juice, black coffee/tea with sugar, but absolutely no dairy).
• If your appointment is for a breast MRI, you are not allowed to wear any deodorant or anti-perspirant prior to your test as it can cause interference to the images and can have safety concerns.

What to Bring

• Wear comfortable clothing without metal, buckles, clips, zippers. Do not wear clothing or undergarments with metal fibres, including silverescent or copper.
• Please bring your health card with you to your appointment.
• If you are not covered through OHIP, please bring any insurance information.
• If your appointment is for an abdominal, pelvic or bladder MRI and you have been fasting, bring snacks to your appointment. You can resume eating as soon as your scan is complete when your technologist informs you.

Other Notes

• If you do not speak or understand English, please ensure you can bring someone to your appointment that can communicate and understand English, and that they are required to stay for the full duration of your appointment.
• If you are claustrophobic and require the use of sedatives, this needs to be arranged with the referring physician and you must bring someone to drive you to and from the appointment. You are not allowed to drive yourself after taking sedatives.
• Please let us know if you are experiencing any respiratory or gastrointestinal signs/symptoms and do not feel well enough to attend your appointment.
• If you have had any X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs to the area being scanned in the last six weeks, please contact KMH.
• If you have had any injections to the area being scanned within the last six weeks, you will need to rebook your appointment.
• If you have had any tattoos or surgeries in the six weeks prior to this appointment, you will need to rebook your appointment.
• Please call us if:
  • You have mobility issues
  • You are pregnant
  • There is a chance of pregnancy
  • You are currently breastfeeding
  • You are over 250lbs in weight
• Some MRI clinics offer appointments 24 hours per day so it is possible that your appointment is in the middle of the night

Arrival Time

• If you late cancel or no show for your appointment, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
• Please arrive on time for your arrival time to allow for check-in. Late arrival might result in cancellation of exam as we might not be able to accommodate your test.

During the Test

• At your appointment, you will be asked to lie on a table within a large cylindrical scanner. During the MRI scan you will be asked to lay very still for a prolonged period of time. While the scanner is running, it produces a loud knocking sound.
• Some MRI scans may involve an injection of contrast dye, which makes certain tissues and blood vessels show up more clearly and in greater detail. The contrast dye is administered through an IV in your arm.
• You will be regularly monitored during your appointment. Should you have any symptoms during the procedure, our medical staff and physician will take the necessary measures to assess and treat your condition. Please inform us if you experience any side effects or discomfort at any time throughout your appointment.

After the Test

• If you are receiving contrast and are breast feeding, you will need to discard any milk produced for 24 hours after the appointment.
• Your referring physician should receive your results in approximately 7-10 business days.

Contact Details

• You can reach us at 1-877-564-5227, extension 3. Our call centre is open Monday to Fridays from 8am-6pm, and Saturdays from 9am-5pm. If you have a next-day or same-day appointment, you can reach us outside of our call centre hours, by pressing extension 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking at KMH?

• Yes, free parking is available at both the Markham and Kitchener locations. Please allow 15 extra minutes before your appointment to find a parking spot and check in with reception.

How long does it take for my MRI referral to get processed?

• Urgent referrals are processed within 1–2 weeks once all required information is provided.
• Non-urgent referrals are processed within 6–8 weeks once complete.

How long is the current wait time for an MRI?

• The wait time to book an MRI is approximately 6–8 weeks from the date the referral is received. Wait times may vary slightly depending on the scan type and location. If the referral is marked as urgent, it will be prioritized for earlier scheduling.

At what KMH locations can I have an MRI and how do I get there?

• Kitchener location: 751-B Victoria Street South, Suite 108, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 5N4
  • Complimentary parking is available onsite.
• Markham location: 50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 101, Markham, Ontario L3T 7X8
  • Complimentary parking is available onsite.
  • For weekends and between 6 pm – 6 am on weekdays, doors will be locked.
    Use the south side entrance and enter “#101” on the intercom to gain access.

How can I get my MRI report or images sent to my doctor?

• Reports can be faxed directly to your physician or emailed to you after submitting a completed consent form. 

How much does an MRI cost if I don’t have OHIP coverage?

• The cost of an MRI is $1810, with an additional $570 if GAD contrast is required.
• If you have valid OHIP coverage, there is no charge.
• If your OHIP health card is expired, lost, or stolen, you must pay prior to the appointment. Once a valid health card is provided, KMH will reimburse you. If you prefer not to pay upfront, the appointment can be rescheduled after your valid health card is provided.

Does KMH offer whole body MRI scans?

• No, KMH does not provide whole body MRI scans.

Can multiple MRI scans be performed on the same day?

• No, OHIP only covers one diagnostic imaging procedure per patient per day at a single facility.
  Additional scans must be scheduled on separate days.

Does KMH prescribe sedatives for MRI exams?

• No, KMH does not provide sedatives for MRI exams. If sedation is required, contact your primary care physician for a prescription. Bring the medication with you to your appointment but do not take it before arriving. Inform reception upon arrival that you will need to take sedation medication, and the care team will advise when to take it.

Are there age restrictions for MRI scans with or without contrast?

• Yes. Gadolinium (GAD) contrast cannot be administered to patients under 18 years old at KMH.
  If contrast is required for a patient under 18, the scan must be performed at a hospital or pediatric imaging center equipped for contrast-enhanced MRI studies.

Does KMH perform MRIs on pregnant patients?

• No. KMH does not perform MRI scans on pregnant patients due to safety considerations. If imaging is needed during pregnancy, consult your physician for alternative options or referral to a hospital equipped for imaging pregnant patients.

Will I go in feet first or head first for my MRI?

• It depends on the body part being scanned. Generally:
  • Lower body scans: Feet go in first.
  • Head or upper body scans: Head goes in first.

Are injections OK?

• If you have had an injection or treatment injection (excluding acupuncture, facial Botox, dry needling, or vaccines) to the area being scanned within the last 6 weeks, your MRI must be scheduled at least 6 weeks after the injection. You should also plan any future injections to the scanned area more than 6 weeks after the MRI. This precaution avoids temporary swelling (edema) from the needle, which can create discrepancies in MRI images and potentially alter results, such as causing a false positive finding.

Do you need to wait 6 weeks after wisdom teeth removal?

• No, if it was just an extraction with no implants placed, you do not need to wait 6 weeks for your MRI. If implants were placed, provide the operative report and schedule your MRI at least 6 weeks after the procedure. This ensures any potential metal artifacts or healing issues from implants do not interfere with the scan images.

Are braces OK?

• Braces are safe for MRI scans. However, the metal in braces can make images unclear in that area. For head or TMJ scans, wait until the braces are removed for the best image quality.

Are all dental implants MRI safe?

• Yes, all dental implants are safe for MRI scans. If dental surgery was performed, wait 6-8 weeks before the scan. No surgical report is required. Removable dentures must be removed prior to all MRI procedures.

Can we scan with a fiberglass cast?

• Yes, fiberglass casts are safe for MRI. However, we cannot scan the body part inside the cast due to poor image quality.

Can you do your scan with a glucose monitor?

• Some glucose monitors are approved to be worn during MRI procedure in US. However currently in Canada, all glucose monitors must be removed as per Health Canada.

Can you wear nail polish?

• Yes, you can wear nail polish as long as it contains no metal. Avoid cat eye nail polish, which is unsafe due to metallic particles. Regular shellac is fine if it has no metal, and glitter is acceptable—no metal studs or balls.

Are IUDs safe for MRI?

• Please provide the make and model of your IUD so we can verify its MRI safety. Mirena IUD is MR safe. Most IUDs (such as copper or hormonal types like Kyleena) are MR conditional and safe at standard field strengths, but rare types with ferromagnetic materials are not. This step ensures no risks from movement, heating, or imaging artifacts.

Can you walk in for an MRI?

• No, you cannot walk in for an MRI. A referral from a doctor licensed in Ontario is required before scheduling. This ensures the scan is medically necessary and follows provincial regulations.

How long is an MRI requisition valid?

• An MRI requisition is valid for one year from the date it was issued. After this period, a new requisition from your doctor is required to proceed with the scan. This policy ensures the referral remains current and clinically relevant.

Can you do the MRI with an expired health card?

• No, a valid health card must be on file to proceed with the MRI at no cost. If the health card is expired, lost, stolen, or fails the OHIP check, payment is required upfront for the appointment. Once payment is received by KMH, reimbursement will follow; otherwise, reschedule until the health card is valid.

What about an out-of-province health card?

• You can proceed by paying upfront for the MRI appointment. Out-of-province health cards are not accepted for OHIP coverage at KMH, so full payment is required at the time of service. Reimbursement may be possible through your home province's health plan afterward.

Can you proceed with a U.S. doctor referral?

• No, an MRI cannot proceed with a referral from a U.S. doctor, regardless of payment method. Referrals must come from a physician licensed in Ontario to ensure compliance with provincial regulations. Please obtain a local requisition before scheduling.

Are wheelchairs available on site?

• Yes. Wheelchairs are available at both locations, including an MRI-safe one that can enter the scan room.

Can I access my medical images and reports through PocketHealth?

• Yes, you can access your medical images through PocketHealth. However, written reports are currently not available through the platform. If you would like a copy of your report, please reach out to the referring doctor.

How do I get to the clinic?

• For directions to the clinic and the nearest major intersection, please see Locations & Directions

Can I proceed with the appointment if I am on oxygen?

• We’ll need to understand why you’re on oxygen to determine if we can proceed. Depending on the underlying condition, we may not be able to proceed with the appointment.

Is it okay to wear body lotion or perfume for my appointment?

• Please do not wear any scented products to the appointment.

What if I've misplaced my health card?

• You can still attend your appointment if you bring a printed copy, photocopy, or photo of your health card.

Will there be any out-of-pocket costs?

• Most services, including Specialist Consults and diagnostic testing, are covered by OHIP.
• If you're paying privately, some insurance providers can be billed directly.
• In other cases, you may need to pay upfront and submit the receipt to your insurance.
• If you do not have OHIP coverage, out-of-pocket payment is required.

Do you have wifi at the clinics?

• Yes, we have wifi available.

Where can I provide feedback or file a complaint?

• You can provide feedback or file a complaint via email at [e-mail] or by visiting our website here.

Can you provide a doctor's note that can send to my employer?

• Yes, we can provide work letters on the day of your appointment. Please ask the reception team.

What is the purpose of this test?

• The purpose of your test is to produce detailed images of soft tissues, organs, and internal structures for diagnostic purposes.

How long will the the MRI test take?

• The actual MRI test will take approximately 15-45 minutes. However the appointment will be longer to include any time needed for preparation and review of MRI safety screening.

How much radiation is involved?

• No radiation is involved with this test.

Am I able to drive after the test?

• This test does not affect your ability to drive. You may resume your normal activities after the test. (e.g. go to work after). KMH does not provide sedatives to patients for this test. However, if your referring physician prescribes any sedatives that will impair you from operating any motorized vehicle, you are required to have a designated driver. If you feel unwell after your procedure is complete, please notify any medical staff to assess your condition.

Would I be able to take my regular medications?

• Please continue to take your regular medication.

What should I do if I'm claustrophobic?

• Claustrophobia is a common concern for this test. If you experience claustrophobia, we recommend speaking with your referring physician, who may prescribe a sedative to help you feel more comfortable. If a sedative is prescribed, please bring it with you to your appointment, as the technologist will inform you when to take it. You must also arrange for a designated driver to take you home after your test. Our care team is here to support you — we can walk you through the procedure step-by-step and will closely monitor you throughout the test. If you feel unwell at any time, please let our medical staff know right away.

Why have I been asked about my weight?

• The MRI machines have weight limits. If you are over 300 lbs, we will not be able to proceed with the test. If you are between 250 lbs and 300 lbs, we will need to determine the widest part of your body — if the measurement of that part is less than 54 cm, we can proceed with the test.

How do I measure the widest part of my body?

• To make sure you can fit into the machine, please measure either your hips, abdomen, shoulders or chest (depending on what may be the widest diameter). Please keep your arms down, and measure from left to ride side of body (not the whole circumference of your body).

Can I work out or exercise prior to my test?

• Yes, you can work out or exercise prior to your test.

Can I brush my teeth with toothpaste prior to my test?

• Yes, you can brush your teeth with toothpaste prior to your test.

Can I chew gum prior to my test?

• Yes, you can chew gum prior to your test but not during the test.

Can I get a flu shot prior the appointment?

• You can get a flu shot prior to the appointment. This will not have any affect on the test results.

Why do I need to remove my wig?

• Some wigs contain traces of metal which can interfere with the magnetic field of the machine. It is also a safety concern. It is also a safety concern.

I have a pacemaker. Can I still proceed with the test?

• If you have a pacemaker, you cannot proceed with the test.

I have implants. Can I still proceed with the test?

• You may be able to proceed with the test, depending on the type of implant. Please call us with more information.

Can I have acupuncture done prior to the test?

• Yes, you can have acupuncture prior to the test.

Can I drink sparkling water during the fasting period?

• Yes, you can drink sparkling water.