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What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's organs, joints, muscles and soft tissues. MRI is a safe, non-invasive imaging test commonly used to investigate pain, injury, neurological conditions and many other health concerns. Most MRI appointments take 30-60 minutes.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a safe and non-invasive imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of your body.

These images are converted into grayscale, which allows doctors to detect differences between normal and abnormal tissue. Compared to other imaging devices, MRI scans provide an exceptional level of soft tissue detail.

MRI scans are commonly used to examine the brain, spine, joints, muscles, and internal organs, helping your doctor diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions.

In this section

MRI services and procedures we offer...

Breast MRI

Breast MRI provides detailed images of internal and soft tissue structures of the breast,

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MRI Angiography

MRI imaging technique both with and without contrast, to visualize blood vessels in the body

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MRI Arthrogram
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MRI Breast

Breast MRI provides detailed images of internal and soft tissue structures of the breast,

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MRI Breast Biopsy
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MR Enterography

Produce detailed images of the small intestine

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Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MR is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the structure and function of the heart and its surrounding blood vessels.

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NEW MRI Kerikeri

MRI caravan located in Kerikeri Clinic

What are MRI scans used for?

An MRI scan is particularly useful for assessing the head and spine, abdomen and pelvis, breast and for joint and musculoskeletal problems.

An MRI scan requires specialised equipment and expertise, and allows evaluation of body structures that may not be visible with other imaging methods.

The appointment generally takes between 30-60 minutes. 

Why might I need an MRI scan?

Your doctor may refer you for an MRI scan to:

  • Investigate pain, injury, or swelling
  • Diagnose neurological conditions
  • Assess joints, muscles, or ligaments
  • Examine organs such as the brain, spine, or abdomen
  • Monitor treatment or disease progression
     

What to expect during your MRI scan?

During your scan:

  • You will lie comfortably on a scanning table
  • The table will move into the MRI scanner
  • You will need to lie still while images are taken
  • You may hear loud tapping or knocking sounds during the scan
  • The scan is painless, and our team will support you throughout the process
appointment background

Where can I get an MRI at Canopy Imaging?

We have multiple locations available for MRI scans throughout New Zealand. 

Please select your location to contact us

Before your Examination

Please phone us for an appointment. We will discuss:

  • Details about your preparation before the scan including a period without food and drink.
  • A list of safety issues including if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, surgical clips, heart valves, prosthetic joints and the need to take your pain medication before you arrive. Click here to complete a Safety Checklist.  It will automatically be sent to our MRI booking team
  • Details about the examination itself
  • ACC and insurance queries
  • Post examination information

Please let us know as soon as possible if there is any reason why you cannot keep your appointment.

Upon arrival:

You will have time to read about the examination, fill out a questionnaire as well as consent forms. In addition to a drink, insertion of an intravenous line may be necessary before your scan. A trained, experienced staff member will discuss the procedure with you. This is a good opportunity to ask any question you may have.

You will be asked to change into a gown and remove all metallic objects such as jewellery, dentures, hearing aids, etc.

Your Examination

If needed, you will have an intravenous line inserted. Our staff will position you on a bed that will gently move through the scanner, stopping to scan relevant areas. You will be asked to remain still throughout each of the 4-5 separate scans for up to twenty minutes. If you have difficulty lying flat, or are uncomfortable in confined spaces, the MRI staff will assist and make you more comfortable.

The Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT) or Radiographer will talk to you via a two-way intercom during the scan and let you know what is happening throughout. You can talk to the MRT at any time, even during the scan if you need to. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. The MRI machine makes a loud tapping noise while scanning (from the MRI coil movement) however you will be able to listen to music during the scan. 

Post Examination

You will be asked to change back into your clothes and your items will be returned to you. You will be monitored for 10 minutes. You may eat or drink after your scan. There are no known side effects from the magnetic field. 

Your scan will be interpreted by the Radiologist and a report sent directly to your doctor who will discuss the results with you.

FAQs

An MRI scan is used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, joints, muscles, organs, breasts and cardiovascular system. Using powerful magnets and radio waves, MRI produces detailed images of soft tissues and internal structures, helping doctors investigate pain, injury, disease and abnormalities without using radiation. MRI is commonly used for neurological conditions, sports injuries, back pain, cancer assessment and heart disease.

Your appointment generally takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on the area being scanned.

If you feel anxious or claustrophobic, please let our team know, we can talk you through your options to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.

MRI is considered very safe for most people.

However, it is important to tell us if you have:

  • Metal implants or medical devices
  • A pacemaker
  • Any metal fragments in your body
  • A possibility of pregnancy

Our team will ensure the scan is safe and suitable for you.

Preparation will depend on the type of scan you are having.

You may be asked to:

  • Wear clothing without metal (zips, buttons, jewellery)
  • Avoid eating or drinking before certain scans
  • Remove any metal objects

You will receive specific instructions before you appointment. 

You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to your appointment. They can stay with you while we discuss your procedure.

Support people are not permitted in the procedure room and will be asked to wait outside during the scan.

If you are attending with young children, please bring someone with you to supervise them during your appointment.

No. Not all MRI scans require contrast. Whether contrast is needed depends on the reason for your scan and the information your doctor is seeking. Our radiologists follow specific protocols to determine when contrast will provide additional diagnostic information.

Gadolinium contrast is a medicine that may be used during some MRI scans to help make certain tissues, blood vessels and abnormalities easier to see. This can help provide more detailed images for your doctor.

Yes. Canopy Imaging uses gadolinium contrast agents with a very low risk of complications. Serious reactions are extremely rare, and our staff are trained and equipped to manage them should they occur.

Please let us know if you:

  • Have previously had a reaction to MRI contrast
  • Have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis
  • Have had a kidney transplant
  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding

A small cannula will be inserted into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. The contrast is injected during the scan and most people experience no significant side effects.

Please let our team know before your appointment if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

This helps us ensure the safest imaging approach for both you and your baby.

Most people experience no side effects. Some people may notice temporary symptoms such as:

  • Warmth or coolness in the arm
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • A metallic or altered taste

These effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Yes. The gadolinium contrast agents used at Canopy Imaging have an excellent safety profile and are widely used worldwide. Serious reactions are extremely rare. If you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or have previously reacted to contrast, please discuss this with our team before your appointment.

We have MRI available at the following clinics: Canopy Imaging Kerikeri
Canopy Imaging, Kensington Ave, Whangārei
Canopy Imaging, Shakespeare Rd, Milford, Auckland
Canopy Imaging Lincoln Rd, Henderson
Canopy Imaging, Ormiston Hospital, Flat Bush, Auckland
Canopy Imaging, Haupapa Street, Rotorua
Canopy Imaging, Prospect Rd, Hastings
Canopy Imaging Canning Rd, Hastings
Canopy Imaging Palmerston North
Absolute Radiology, New Plymouth

At Canopy Imaging, our focus is you.  By providing detailed diagnostic imaging we can improve patient care and better treatment outcomes.

Once you have your referral from your GP or Specialist book your appointment online today!