If you are due to have an MRI imaging examination, you may have some spontaneous questions. You are welcome to find out more in advance on the website of my private practice for radiology in Nuremberg.
Here you will find examples of frequently asked questions as general information and for your guidance.
If you have any further specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone on 0911 - 83 79 92 07 or via the Contact form.
The most frequently asked questions
compiled in our FAQ section
Both examination procedures produce sectional images of the inside of the body, but differ in the physical method used.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is radiation-free and is carried out in a strong magnetic field with high-frequency radio waves.
In contrast, computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays to generate images.
Examinations of a patient with both modalities are possible on one examination day. If both examinations are to be performed with the administration of a contrast agent, a staggered procedure would at least be gentler on the kidneys and should be favoured if the examinations can be planned.
We ask you to arrive at the registration desk about 15 minutes before your appointment. After completing the formalities and going through the information sheet, there is usually no need for any further preparation for the examination.
The CT scan is completed in just a few minutes. The duration of the MRI examination depends on the region being examined and the question being asked; for example, most joint examinations usually take 15 to 20 minutes, MRI of the prostate with dynamic contrast medium examination takes around 40 minutes and an MRI of the whole body can take up to over 60 minutes.
After the contrast agent has been administered, you will be kept in the practice for 30 minutes for observation. During this time, the image file will also be burnt onto a CD-ROM and given to you.
Please plan a time slot of one to two hours for your appointment, depending on the examination.
If the examination involves the injection of a contrast medium, a current laboratory test to assess kidney function - the so-called creatinine or GFR value - is required, especially in older patients aged 50 and over and in patients with kidney disease.
In addition to the assessment of the thyroid gland, CT with X-ray contrast medium is used to assess the TSH-value is required.
Your family doctor or referring specialist will arrange for the laboratory values to be determined. The laboratory values should not be older than one week. In the case of known kidney disease, the creatinine or GFR value should be as up-to-date as possible.
Knowing your previous health status is an important part of the medical history.
The direct comparison with previous images is very valuable in order to recognise even the smallest changes and, if necessary, to be able to assess the course of the disease.
It is therefore highly recommended that you bring any previous images, preliminary findings and operation reports with you to your examination appointment.
Examinations that you have already received at our centre are available to us in the archive. You do not need to bring these with you.
In general, the examinations do not require any special preparation. It is recommended that you wear warm and comfortable clothing for the examination.
All metallic (hairpin, pen, belt, wallet, piercing, etc.) and electronic objects (mobile phone, cheque cards, etc.) must be removed before the examination.
Plentiful hydration (fluid intake) supports kidney function and accelerates the excretion of contrast media.
Please inform us of any allergies, intolerances or implants in your body before the examination.
During the abdominal examination, you should not have eaten or drunk anything - apart from still water - for up to four hours beforehand. Please take your medication as usual.
In principle, it is also advisable to refrain from eating before a planned contrast medium examination or at best to limit yourself to a light diet.
CT consists of a short ring and is performed very quickly. The patient's claustrophobia is generally not a problem with this examination modality.
The latest generation of MRI machines used in my practice have a bright and air-conditioned tunnel opening with a diameter of 70 cm and a comfortable amount of space. These MRI machines are also well tolerated by most patients with claustrophobia.
If you have a pronounced fear of confinement, you may also be given an anxiolytic sedative before the examination. However, you must bear in mind that you will not be fit to drive after the examination and will not be allowed to carry out any hazardous activities. Please bring an accompanying person with you to the examination or at least have an accompanying person pick you up after the examination.
During the CT scan, the only noise is the whirring of the fans and the movement of the X-ray tube.
In contrast, MRI produces more or less strong knocking and humming noises during the measurements. Our latest devices are equipped with noise-reducing technology. You will also be provided with comfortable headphones for the MRI examination, which significantly reduce the noise level and allow you to relax and listen to music during the examination.
Movements during the scan lead to unnecessary movement artefacts. For precise image results, it is therefore important that you remain as still as possible.
The assistants will inform you when you can move between scans if necessary. A routine MRI examination consists of several scans and takes at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Please let us know if you have any metal parts or implants in your body and bring your documents (implant passport, etc.) with you for examination planning.
If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator implant, inner ear implant, insulin pump or neurostimulator, an MRI scan will not be carried out for your protection.
Particular dangers in MRI can arise from metal clips with a high iron content (previously used) and metal splinters in the area of the eye and brain.
Vascular clips used today are usually non-magnetisable and harmless in MRI.
Metallic alloys - e.g. dental fillings - cause adjacent signal interference with a reduction in image quality, but are harmless in MRI.
Modern joint prostheses, vascular prostheses (stents) and material inserted into the skeleton (plates, screws, etc.) are usually made of titanium and are also MRI-compatible.
If an IUD is inserted for contraception, the MRI can be carried out without any problems. A gynaecological check of the correct position is necessary after the MRI examination and should be observed.
Metal splinters and metal parts in the body generally pose no danger during computer tomography.
No! During the entire examination, you will be supervised by my assistants and monitored by a camera for your safety. You will be in constant contact with the assistants via an intercom system and will also have a bell in your hand during the MRI examination, which you can use to draw attention to yourself at any time.
You are also welcome to bring an accompanying person with you during the MRI examination.
Tattoos and permanent make-up with iron-containing colour pigments can change during MRI examinations and lead to heating in this area. The localisation and size of the tattoo as well as the time from which the tattoo or the tattoo colours originate are certainly relevant here. Professional studios in Germany have been using regular iron-free colours since the end of the 1990s. Practices in other countries may differ from this.
You will receive comprehensive information and an individual assessment before an MRI scan. During the MRI examination, you will be under constant observation by the assistant staff. You can also use the bell in your hand to draw attention to yourself immediately if you feel a tingling sensation or warmth in the area of the tattoo. The examination can then be interrupted immediately and the specialised staff will take care of you.
Applied make-up products may also contain metallic components and significantly affect the image quality of the MRI examination. Please wear no make-up to your MRI appointment if possible.
The need to administer contrast medium depends on the examination and the specific question being asked.
In CT, the administration of contrast medium is generally useful for diagnostic soft tissue contrast. In contrast, contrast media can usually be dispensed with in MRI diagnostics of the joints.
Intravenous administration of contrast medium is used, among other things, for detailed visualisation of the organs, nervous and vascular systems. The administration of contrast media may be indicated in both CT and MRI when looking for inflammatory changes or tumours and metastases.
In CT, the X-ray contrast medium has a high iodine content for contrast generation. For the thyroid gland, iodine is also an elementary component in hormone production. It is possible that a temporary reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may occur after the administration of an X-ray contrast medium.
For a healthy thyroid gland, the X-ray contrast agent poses no problem. However, there are changes or diseases of the thyroid gland that should not be exposed to excessive iodine intake without preparation - e.g. autonomy and Graves' disease.
If the thyroid values are questionable and it is unclear whether there is a risk of thyroid disease, it may be possible to initially dispense with the administration of X-ray contrast medium or alternatively to switch to another examination modality. In urgent cases, it is possible to block the thyroid gland with medication (perchlorate drops) before and after administration of the X-ray contrast medium and thus protect it from uncontrolled excessive iodine intake.
A differentiated and comprehensive clarification of questionable thyroid changes is recommended in advance for scheduled contrast-enhanced CT examinations.
The MRI contrast agent can be used without hesitation with regard to the thyroid gland.
Contrast medium is administered to patients for certain issues; in particular in the case of tumours, metastasis and inflammation, it can provide essential diagnostic information as an intravenous injection.
The MRI contrast agent contains gadolinium. Studies have provided evidence that a small amount of gadolinium may be deposited in the brain. To date, no diseases or symptoms have been associated with gadolinium deposits. However, to prevent risks, contrast agents are used in a restricted manner.
Patients with kidney damage tend not to have MRI contrast medium injections, as the contrast medium remains in the body for longer and a small number of patients have experienced undesirable changes in the connective tissue.
Yes, contrast agents are administered with your consent after you have been informed about the risks and benefits.
Experts advise not to prematurely forego a contrast agent examination, which is only used if there is an appropriate indication and question.
Fortunately, only a few women require an examination with contrast medium after giving birth. If correctly indicated and urgent, contrast media can be administered during breastfeeding.
Only very small amounts of contrast agent enter the breast milk, which can hardly be absorbed through the baby's intestines. As an additional precautionary measure, it is advisable to express and dispose of breast milk within 24 hours of administering the contrast medium.
Due to the X-ray radiation, CT is not an examination modality that is used in routine diagnostics during pregnancy. A CT scan may only be justified in an emergency if there is a vital risk to the mother.
As a radiation-free modality, MRI examinations are generally unproblematic if required in the later stages of pregnancy - from the second trimester (14th week of pregnancy) onwards.
MRI is not performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and should only be used if there are special indications.
You will receive an initial assessment from me as soon as possible after your examination. I will be happy to explain the findings to you in a detailed discussion and provide advice if required.
Your image files will be handed over to you immediately afterwards in the form of a CD-ROM.
The written findings with the detailed evaluation will be sent to you or the referring doctor within one week by e-mail, fax or post; in medically urgent cases immediately.
You can book MRI and CT appointments in my practice easily and conveniently online at any time. Book your desired appointment quickly and conveniently here. After booking, you will immediately receive your appointment confirmation by e-mail as well as a text message reminder 24 hours before your examination appointment.
You can contact us by telephone on 0911 - 83 79 92 07 The appointment service is also available on working days during opening hours from 07:00 to 20:30. Our staff look forward to your call and will be happy to help you make an appointment. Outside opening hours, you can use our call-back service.
Of course you can also contact us via the e-mail address info@primenostics.com send us your enquiry. We will get back to you as soon as possible and can also arrange a suitable examination and appointment for you in this way.
Diagnostic services in my practice
Information on the range of services
I offer MRI examinations of all body regions in the highest quality and according to the latest standards. I have a wide range of examination protocols at my disposal, which I endeavour to make as pleasant and gentle as possible. The modern high-end equipment also offers plenty of space and comfort, even for patients with claustrophobia.
My range of services for you includes
Do you need an MRI appointment in Nuremberg?
Then you are welcome to contact me by phone, e-mail or via the contact form. You can also arrange your next appointment conveniently and easily online. I look forward to your enquiry!