What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique for creating pictures of the body. Unlike an x-ray exam, it does not use radiation. Instead, a large magnet, a radio transmitter, receiver, and a computer are used to create pictures of body structures and organs. Your pet is scheduled to have a high field MRI at the Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI). The instrument here uses a very powerful magnet (3T) to ensure we get the best images possible in the shortest amount of time. Through our collaborative research ties with the CAI we have established an agreement allowing us to provide you and your pet with this remarkable diagnostic tool.

The procedure is not painful but your pet must remain perfectly still throughout the study so a short general anaesthetic is given. Your pet will be carefully monitored by the BVSC team who help the expert technicians at CAI. Recovery from the anaesthetic is usually rapid and side effects are usually minimal and short lived. Most pets can go home with you approximately an hour after the procedure is completed. From start to finish, including the anaesthesia recovery, the procedure usually takes two to three hours. You will be advised of the likely scanning start time for your pet by your veterinarian.

MRI is available Monday to Friday. The images are uploaded to our radiologists off-site and a detailed report is received between 24 to 36 hours.

Patient Preparation and Discharge

We request you bring your pet to the facility at CAI on the UQ campus at St Lucia, and transport them home on recovery. We will provide you with an appointment time.

As a general anaesthetic will be given, your pet must be fasted, as per below:

  • No food after 10pm the night before the MRI.
  • Water is permitted.
  • Any medications required the morning of the MRI should be given as usual.
  • If these medications need to be given with food, up to a tablespoon of moist food may be given.

Your pet will be discharged directly to you from the facility unless there needs to be ongoing care at BVSC.

Payment

Payment for the procedure is required at least 24 hours before the MRI. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.

To arrange payment, please contact BVSC reception at (07) 3264 9400.

Your MRI appointment details will be provided separately.

For any urgent matters on the day of your pet’s MRI, call 0481 124 251. (Please note: This number is only monitored on the day of the MRI and cannot be used for inquiries before or after.)

Location and How to Get There

The High Field 3T MRI is located at the Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI), University of Queensland, St Lucia. Building 60, Gehrmann Labs, Research Road, St Lucia.

DIRECTIONS TO MRI FACILITY AT ST LUCIA CAMPASS

  • Starting at Sir Fred Schonell Drive, turn right at the traffic lights onto Coldridge Street (this is immediately before the University’s entrance sign).
  • TURN LEFT at the T-intersection, onto Carmody
  • At the roundabout, take the SECOND EXIT onto Upland
  • TURN LEFT onto Sir William MacGregor Drive (you will have passed Union College on your left).
  • VEER LEFT onto College Road (you will have passed Emmanuel College on your right).
  • TURN LEFT onto Cooper Road (this is a shared pedestrian zone)
  • TURN LEFT onto Research Road (this is not signed – Cooper Road bends to the right & there is a red paved road running to the left – this is Research Road).
  • CONTINUE STRAIGHT – you will see a multi-level rectangular building straight before you with parking spaces at the front – this is your destination:
    Building 60, Gehrmann Labs, Research Road, St Lucia

ALTERNATIVELY, download the UQnav application for iPhone & Android phones. Enter “Gehrmann Labs” into the search engine and it will pinpoint the location. The app can then use Google Maps to calculate a route.

PARKING PERMITS are required on a Saturday, so we ask for the make, model and registration number of your vehicle prior to the week of the appointment.

Please be aware that there are permanent bollards across the top of Research Road, and you cannot enter Research Road from Upland Road.

If you get lost, please call the CONTACT NUMBER 0481 124 251

Staff can meet you at the top of Research Road where it connects to Upland Road and direct you to a parking place.