1,5 Tesla MR Scan
1.5 Tesla MRI - Native Examinations
1.5 Tesla MRI - Contrast-Enhanced Examinations
Dear Patient, if you have not found a suitable appointment time, please contact us by phone:
+36 1 550 7 550
At Újbuda Medical Center, we place great emphasis on ensuring that MRI and CT scan reports are always evaluated by a radiologist specializing in the examined body part. Our model differs from many private clinics, where a single radiologist may interpret scans of various body regions.
This specialized approach ensures that our patients receive the most accurate understanding of their condition, aiding in the proper diagnosis and enabling more precise treatment plans and surgical interventions. Additionally, our specialized expertise significantly reduces surgical and treatment risks, as well as potential complications.
One of the unique aspects of our center is the expertise of our 24 highly trained radiology specialists, who focus on different areas, such as cranial, abdominal, pelvic, musculoskeletal, and spinal imaging. This extensive expert background allows each body part to be diagnosed with the highest level of professionalism. At Újbuda Medical Center, we guarantee every patient receives a personalized and accurate diagnosis, tailored to their specific needs.
MRI Equipment at Újbuda Medical Center
Our center operates two MRI machines: a premium GE Creator 1.5 Tesla unit and a HITACHI Aperto Lucent 0.4 Tesla open MRI machine.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic imaging method that uses a magnetic field to capture detailed images of the examined area. In the magnetic field generated by the machine, the energy changes occurring in the body are converted by a powerful computer into high-resolution, three-dimensional images.
Globally, the most common and most precise MRI machine for image accuracy is the closed or tunnel-type MRI. The closed MRI operates by examining the patient in a tunnel open at both ends.
In Hungary, the most commonly used MRI machines have a magnetic strength of 1.5 Tesla. The strength of the magnet greatly influences the quality of the images; the stronger the magnet, the higher the guarantee of sharp, high-quality images of the organs and tissues being examined.
The quality of the images generated during an MRI scan is determined by the strength of the magnetic field, which in closed systems is many times stronger than that of open MRI systems. This results in significantly better and more detailed images. While open MRI machines have a magnetic strength of 0.3-0.45 Tesla, closed systems operate at 1.5 or 3 Tesla.
Due to the stronger magnetic field in closed MRI machines, finer structures can be visualized, which open MRI machines are not capable of capturing. Furthermore, the closed MRI’s enhanced capabilities shorten the examination time compared to open MRI machines.
What Are the Advantages of the MRI Examination?
- Completely painless
- No radiation exposure, as it is based on magnetic resonance
- No long-term harmful effects on the body
- Can be used for screening purposes
- Accurately maps the desired area without invasive procedures
The HITACHI Aperto Lucent open MRI machine (0.4 Tesla) is an ideal solution for patients suffering from claustrophobia.
Due to the machine’s lower magnetic strength, compared to high-field devices, implanted metals are less likely to interfere with the scan. This means that procedures such as hip or knee replacements on one side will not prevent MRI scans on the other side. Similarly, laparoscopic cholecystectomy metal clips or metal implants from spinal surgery are less problematic compared to higher magnetic strength machines.
If an examination is canceled due to reasons attributable to the patient, 50% of the booking fee is payable.
Natív MRI-vizsgálat
Native MRI Examination
Native MRI examinations can be performed with a short waiting time (1-2 days).
You may schedule a native MRI examination based on medical advice or on your initiative. We recommend a prior specialist consultation, which is available at our center for an additional fee. It may be the case that an MRI is not required, or the body part in question is not the one needing examination. Our center is not responsible for any damage arising from the patient’s unprofessional choice of region for examination. If the patient insists on a scan of a body part that is not clinically related to their symptoms, we are not liable for any resulting errors.
Preparation for the MRI
If you experience anxiety or fear in confined spaces (claustrophobia), we can provide a mild sedative before the exam, and you may also bring a companion with you — in fact, we recommend doing so. Your companion may accompany you during the examination. Unless your doctor instructs otherwise, you may continue taking your usual medications.
There must be no metal present on your clothing, body, or inside your body (e.g., implants or stents). If you are undergoing an MRI, it is advisable to request a description of the type of metal used in any past surgeries from the surgeon who performed them. This information should be presented to the MRI technician. Entry into the MRI room is strictly prohibited and life-threatening for individuals with pacemakers!
Pregnancy and MRI
Pregnancy is not a contraindication for MRI; however, it is not recommended during the first trimester. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, we do not perform MRI scans. After this period (starting in the fourth month of pregnancy), a native MRI can only be performed with a written referral from a specialist, specifying:
- The exact duration of the pregnancy (how many weeks)
- The requested MRI scan
- The clinical justification for the examination
We perform native MRI scans on all body regions, and you can find the exact areas in our price list. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us.
No contrast agent is used in native MRI examinations. Whether to use contrast is solely at the discretion of the treating physician or radiologist, based on the specialist consultation and the results of the native examination. We do not provide contrast agents at the patient’s request.
If you do not yet have a treating physician, consultations are available at our center for an additional fee, either before or after the examination, with prior appointment scheduling.
Kontrasztanyagos MR vizsgálat
Contrast-Enhanced MRI Examination
Contrast-enhanced MRI scans are available with a short waiting time (2-3 days).
In the case of a contrast-enhanced MRI, contrast is administered intravenously after the native scan. The decision to use contrast is made by the treating physician or radiologist. Patients are informed of the risks of the contrast agent before the procedure, and written consent is required. Contrast agents are not administered at the patient’s request. A specialist referral is required for contrast-enhanced MRI examinations.
Preparation for Contrast-Enhanced MRI
IMPORTANT! Good kidney function is necessary for intravenous contrast administration. Patients must bring lab results no older than 14 days, showing their kidney function (GFR test), without which we cannot perform the examination.
An original, written specialist referral (not a copy) is required, clearly stating the need for a contrast-enhanced MRI, specifying the scan requested, and including the doctor’s signature and visible stamp. We do not perform contrast-enhanced MRI examinations upon patient request alone.
For contrast-enhanced MRI scans, patients must refrain from eating for 4-6 hours before the procedure, as the contrast agent may cause nausea. Drinking fluids is permitted and encouraged. After the MRI, patients can resume their normal daily activities with no need for rest.
As mentioned earlier, there must be no metal present in or on the body (e.g., implants, stents). Always request a description of the metal used in any surgeries from your surgeon to present to the MRI technician. Entry into the MRI room is strictly prohibited and life-threatening for individuals with pacemakers!
If you experience anxiety or fear in confined spaces (claustrophobia), we can provide a mild sedative before the examination, and we encourage you to bring a companion with you. They may accompany you during the scan. Following all contrast-enhanced examinations, increased fluid intake is important.
We offer contrast-enhanced MRI examinations for all body parts, and you can find the specific areas in our price list. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us.
If an examination cannot be completed due to reasons attributable to the patient, 50% of the booking fee is payable.
Important Information Regarding MRI Examinations:
We cannot perform scans on patients weighing over 160 kg.
The MRI scanner has a tube diameter of 60 cm.
General MRI Policies:
- We do not perform MRI examinations financed by social security (no free public healthcare service). Referrals from public healthcare providers cannot be accepted.
- A maximum of 3 regions can be scheduled for one appointment (i.e., 3 separate MRI scans). For cancellations on-site involving multiple regions, the cost of the missed scans must still be paid.
- The MRI examination fee applies to one anatomical region (e.g., skull, cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, etc.). For multiple regions, the appropriate multiple of the fee applies. Separate anatomical regions include the different sections of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral), and limb joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle).
MRI Reporting and Follow-Up
A written radiological evaluation of the MRI scan is prepared within 3-5 business days following the examination. Patients will receive the report via their chosen method (email, in-person pick-up, or postal service for an additional fee).
The cost of the examination does not include a specialist radiological consultation regarding the report. The medical staff cannot provide any information about the results; this is the responsibility of the treating physician.
MRI Cannot Be Performed in Three Main Cases:
- If the patient has a pacemaker implanted.
- If the patient had an aneurysm treated with a clip more than three years ago.
- We do not perform MRI scans even with MRI-compatible pacemakers.
There are many other conditions for which MRI might be contraindicated. If you have any illnesses or have undergone previous surgeries, please inform us by phone when scheduling your appointment.
A relative may accompany you during the examination, providing comfort during the scan. The above rules and guidelines apply to companions as well.
We do not perform MRI scans under anesthesia or sedation.
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