For Patients · Imaging · MRI
MRI
Detailed imaging,
without radiation.
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed, three-dimensional images of the inside of your body. It does not use ionizing radiation — making it especially valuable for soft tissues: the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and organs.
Ionizing radiation
Soft-tissue detail
Typical exam
For most scans
Who it is for
When an MRI is ordered.
MRI gives detailed images of soft tissue without radiation. Your physician may order one to:
Detailed views of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Looking closely at muscles, ligaments, cartilage and organs.
Adding detail to something seen on another scan.
Monitoring change over time without repeated radiation.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
MRI uses a strong magnetic field rather than radiation, which makes it especially useful for soft tissue and for patients who need repeated imaging. Safety screening matters because of the magnet.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
Your physician needs detailed soft-tissue, brain or joint imaging.
02
You need imaging without ionising radiation.
03
A finding on another scan needs to be characterised further.
04
You have no incompatible metal implant or device — our team screens for this before your visit.
How it works
A magnetic field — not radiation.
MRI builds its images from the body’s own hydrogen atoms, guided by a magnetic field and brief radio-wave pulses. Each step below feeds the next, ending in a detailed 3D picture.
A strong, painless magnetic field gently aligns the hydrogen protons throughout your body.
Short radio-wave pulses briefly nudge those protons out of their aligned position.
As the protons settle back, they release faint signals the scanner listens for.
Software assembles those signals into detailed, three-dimensional images.
No ionizing radiation — safe to repeat as often as your care requires.
How to prepare
A few simple things
before your visit.
Most of preparing for an MRI is about safety around the magnet. Our booking team will confirm anything specific to your scan.
You’ll complete a detailed safety questionnaire before the scan. Tell our team about any metallic implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, surgical hardware, or metal fragments.
You’ll change into a clinic-provided gown and remove all jewelry, piercings, and metal objects before entering the scan room.
Not required for most MRIs. Certain abdominal or pelvic MRIs may need a 4-hour fast — if so, you’ll be told during booking.
What to expect
A calm, supported exam.
You lie comfortably on a padded table that glides into the scanner. MRI machines produce loud tapping noises during the scan; we provide earplugs or headphones. The exam typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes depending on the body region being imaged.
Step 01
Safety screening & change into a gown
Step 02
Settle onto the padded table
Step 03
The scan, with earplugs or headphones
about 30–60 minutes
Step 04
Free to resume your day right after
No recovery time is needed for a standard MRI — you can drive yourself home and return to normal activity immediately.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our specialist.
A signed report is delivered securely to your referring physician; for urgent cases we can share verbal findings the same day.
Your physician talks you through the findings and next steps.
Aftercare
After your scan.
There is no recovery period. An MRI, CT, mammogram, ultrasound or bone-density scan is non-invasive, so you leave as you arrived.
You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity right away.
Eat, work and exercise as usual unless your physician has told you otherwise.
When a contrast agent is given, drink plenty of water to help clear it. Your team will mention this if it applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
Pricing on request
MRI
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is an MRI painful?
No. The scan is painless. You lie still on a padded table that moves into the scanner.
Is it noisy?
Yes, MRI machines make loud tapping sounds during the scan. We provide earplugs or headphones.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Let us know when you book. We will talk you through the exam and what support is available so you are comfortable.
Why do you ask about metal?
The strong magnet means certain metal implants, devices or fragments can be unsafe or affect the images. We screen carefully before your scan.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging can be booked with a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Our team confirms what is needed when you book.
Will my insurance cover it?
Initio is a private clinic, so the scan is paid directly. Many plans reimburse diagnostic imaging — we provide the documentation to claim.
Keep exploring
Other ways we image the body.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
Your MRI is acquired and read under one roof, with reports sent directly to your referring physician so your care continues without hand-offs.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking for another service? Back to For Patients.