Conditions & Treatments

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging - What it is

What is Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Scan?

A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) scan uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create medical images of the heart and related blood vessels for diagnostic purposes.

It is a non-invasive examination which does not involve any radiation.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Other Information

Preparing for your CMR scan

Kindly inform our staff if you:

Have a pacemaker or neuro-stimulator
Have any metallic implants in your body
Have any previous operation performed
Have an eye injury involving metallic foreign body
Have any previous allergic reaction to MRI contrast agent
Have a fear of confined spaces (claustrophobic)
Are pregnant or may be pregnant (applicable to females)

You can consume food, drinks and take your medications as per normal, unless advised otherwise.

Please do not carry expensive valuables with you on the day of your MRI appointment.

Please do not wear any makeup (e.g. mascara) or use hairspray on your MRI appointment day.

For some cases, your doctor may request for an MRI contrast agent injection to highlight your blood vessels. You may need to proceed with a blood test (3 months validity) prior to your examination.

Please bring along your MRI request form and any previous MRI images (not performed at SGH or NHCS) on the day of your appointment.

You may bring along a CD of your choice to be played during the examination.

What to expect on the day of examination?

Registration

Please report to the respective appointment counter at least 15 minutes before your appointment time for registration. Please be punctual to avoid any rescheduling of your appointment. There may be slight waiting time on the day of the examination if any unforeseen circumstances arise.

Please present your original request form during registration and make payment either by cash, NETS or other major credit cards. You may use up to S$300 of your Medisave savings a year to pay for the outpatient scan (non-cancer-related conditions).

Before examination

The examination would take a minimum of one hour, depending on your heart condition and doctor’s request.

You will be asked to change into an examination gown and keep all your personal items in a locker.

Your parameters such as height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate will be taken.

A small cannula will be inserted into the vein of your arm or hand if contrast agent is required.

You will be advised to empty your bladder just before your scan.

During examination

You will be asked to lie comfortably on the examination couch. Do not be alarmed when you hear loud thumping noises from the machine. Earplugs and headphones will be provided for your comfort.
earplugs for CMR scan hearphone for CMR scan