MRI is a type of brain scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain.

A PET scan uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers to show metabolic or biochemical activity in the brain. The radiotracer is injected into a vein within your arm and then collected into areas of your brain that have higher levels of a specific metabolic or biochemical activity.

MRI scanner is a large cylindrical machine with a round, donut-shaped hole in the middle. The machine contains powerful magnets. The magnetic field strength is measured in Tesla and Gauss (1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss). Our facility has a 3.0 T scanner. In comparison, the strength of the earth’s magnetic field is approximately 0.5 G.

MRI-PET scanner is virtually identical to the MRI scanner. In addition to powerful magnets, multiple rings of detectors are inside the machine that record the energy emissions from the PET radiotracer in your brain.

• Refrain from tobacco, alcohol and caffeine intake at least 24 hours before the scan.
• Do not have anything to drink 1-hour before your appointment time. The day before your scan drink plenty of water so you are well hydrated.
• You may eat a light meal up to 4 hours before your check-in time. No solid foods 4 hours before your appointment time. But do not fast on the day of your scan.
• Take your medications as usual. However, if the medication time overlaps with your scan time, please take them at least 1-hour before your appointment time.
• As the MRI scanner produces strong magnetic fields, it is important to remove any metal objects from your body. Make sure that you are wearing no makeup (such as eyeliner) and no jewelry (such as earrings, necklaces, rings, watch) or piercings (such as ear, nipple and nose rings) upon your arrival.
• Please make sure you do not wear a wig, hair extensions, clips or hairpins.
• If you wear glasses, please wear contact lenses.
• We will provide a locker in which you can store your wallet, credit cards, etc. You may prefer to leave valuable items at home.
• Be prepared to change into scrubs before entering the scanner. For women, please wear a sports bra or none at all. For men, no boxers with snaps.
• Due to COVID-19, you will be required to wear a face mask during the scan. You cannot use your own mask. We will provide you with one.
• You will be required to read and sign an IRB-approved informed consent form before entering the magnet room. No human research will be performed within the imaging facility without prior IRB approval and subject consent.

Once you are dressed in a medical gown and screened for metallic objects, you will be allowed to enter the scanner room. You will be asked to lie down on a narrow table which will then move into the tunnel. Since the scanner will make loud noises at certain times during the scan, you will be given earplugs to wear. There is an intercom in the scanner so you will be able to talk to us between scans (when the scanner is quiet), and we will be able to see you at all times through a glass window that separates the scanner room from the control room. You will be given a signaling device (the emergency squeeze ball) so that you can alert us whilst having your scan in case of an emergency or discomfort.

If you are scheduled for a PET-MRI scan, a technician will inject very small amount of the PET radiotracer into a vein in your hand or arm. You may feel a slight pin prick when the technician inserts the needle into your vein. Generally, there are no other side effects and the injection does not make you feel any different at all. MRI scan does not involve any injections and it is generally considered a safe procedure.

The scan lasts about one hour to an hour and half and consists of several sequences, lasting from 2-10 minutes. To avoid the images being blurred, it is very important to keep very still throughout the whole scan when the scanner makes loud noises. In between the scans, there will be a little break where you can relax. We will use pads and cushions to help make you more comfortable for the scan.

During the scan, you will be asked to 1) relax with your eyes close (but not fall asleep), or 2) look at the fixation cross whenever it appeared on the screen, or 3) play a money winning game, which you practice prior to entering the scanner.

You'll be moved out of the scanner when your scan is over.