Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In Riga - Teika Plaza

• Usually, no special preparation is needed unless contrast agent is used. In that case, your stomach must be empty for abdominal and pelvic MRIs.  • If a contrast-enhanced MRI is planned, you must have a blood test for creatinine level and GFR (kidney function).  • Why? It’s important to ensure your kidneys can safely eliminate the contrast agent.

• Bring a valid ID and your referral for the scan (if in paper format).  • Bring your lab test results (can be shown on your phone).  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal parts (e.g., zippers, buttons). If your clothing is unsuitable, the staff will provide disposable pants or a shirt.  • If you’re scheduled for a head or spine MRI, please remove any metal piercings (ears, eyebrows, tongue, etc.) in advance. These can be replaced with wooden, plastic, or silicone adapters.  • A changing room will be available for you to change and store your belongings.

• Jewelry (rings, chains, earrings) • Hair clips, pins, clips • Glasses, watches, hearing aids • Clothing with metal parts (zipper, buttons) • Bank cards, phones, keys

• The MRI machine uses a very strong magnetic field. Metal objects may be pulled or moved, posing a risk of injury or damage to the equipment.  • The magnetic field can damage electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, hearing aids) and erase or corrupt magnetic data on bank cards, ID cards with chips, and access cards.

• Most modern braces are made of materials that do not affect MRI image quality or pose a safety risk.  • If the MRI is for body parts below the head (e.g., spine, joints, abdomen), braces are not a problem.  • However, if the scan involves the head, jaw, face, or brain, braces may cause image distortion (artifacts) that complicate diagnosis. We recommend postponing the scan until braces are removed or considering an alternative diagnostic method. Please discuss this with your referring physician.

Feeling anxious before an MRI is completely normal – it happens often. The MRI staff is understanding and supportive. Everything will be explained again, and the scan time will be scheduled as precisely as possible.    You can request that the staff inform you periodically during the scan about how much time is left.    If you know in advance that anxiety may interfere with the procedure, it’s advisable to discuss this with your referring doctor or family physician. They may prescribe a mild sedative to take before the scan.

• You have implants, a pacemaker, or metal objects in your body;  • You have allergies or kidney problems (if contrast is planned);  • You are pregnant or might be pregnant.  Please arrive 20–30 minutes early to allow time for registration, completing forms, and changing clothes.

Sometimes a patient may need support from a family member or close companion – for example, a child or elderly person. We support this and aim to make the scan as calm and safe as possible.    If you would like a family member to be present during the scan, please inform the MRI staff in advance by:    - 📞 Calling us before the appointment;  - 📝 Filling out the registration form or mentioning it during check-in.    The staff will assess the situation and arrange suitable conditions, considering safety requirements and room capacity.

We perform examinations on patients in their teenage years. Fill out the application form or contact us for the date and time of the examination.

If you use a wheelchair, it cannot be brought close to the MRI machine due to the magnetic field. However, the MRI table is movable and can be positioned in a safe zone where you can transfer from the wheelchair to the table.    Please note that MRI staff work alone, and transferring a patient may require additional assistance. If physical help is needed, we kindly ask you to bring a relative or caregiver to assist with the transfer.    If this assistance is required, please inform us in advance so that:  • We can schedule extra time for your scan;  • Ensure careful and unhurried positioning;  • Make the procedure as smooth and safe as possible.