FAQ

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scanners generate images of the body by manipulating magnetic fields and radio waves.

The strong magnetic field used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest can exert a force on metallic objects that contain iron. Examples include artificial heart valves, intrauterine devices (IUD’s), vascular access ports, metal plates, pins, screws, surgical staples, prostheses and medication pumps. If you have an implanted heart pacemaker you should not have an MRI exam. In most cases, metal objects used in orthopaedic surgery pose no risk.

MRI is a pain-free procedure. The scanner is air-conditioned, well lit, and you can talk to the technologist. The MRI scanner produces thumping and humming noises. We offer earplugs and a music system to reduce the noise and to help pass the time. The technologist who operates the scanner will observe you from an adjacent room throughout the exam. You will be able to speak with the technologist at any time using a two-way intercom installed in the MRI unit. It is important to remain perfectly still when images are being recorded, but you may relax between imaging sequences. You may resume your usual activities immediately after the exam.

In Canada, you can expect to pay between up $670 upward to $2500 depending on the area of the scan, provider, and additional costs.

Ultrasound probes create high frequency sound waves. Those sound waves are transmitted through a jelly placed on the surface of the skin. The sound waves move through the jelly, through the skin and then travel into and through the water in the human body. When the sound waves reach something other than water (like a blood vessel or a kidney stone), a portion of the sound wave is reflected back toward the skin. These reflected sound waves are detected by the ultrasound probe. The timing and characteristics of reflected sound waves are used to generate an image of bodily structures hidden below the skin.

Diagnostic ultrasound waves have no harmful effects. It is a safe and established method for evaluating any accessible part of the human body, including the smallest embryo.

Therapeutic ultrasound uses focussed high energy sound waves to heat tissue in ways that may be medically helpful. These sound waves are much stronger than the sound waves used by diagnostic ultrasound machines.

Therapeutic ultrasound is not offered at Access MRI.

At Access MRI you can expect your ultrasound to be performed in a timely manner by an experienced, accredited professional. Your privacy and modesty will be respected.

Depending on your specific procedure, you can expect to be in the clinic anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes. If an ultrasound of the heart is required, the process may take up to one hour. A technologist will explain your specific procedure and begin scanning the body part in question.

The exam is performed using an ultrasound transducer (camera) with the help of some warm gel to conduct the sound waves. Sometimes pressure on the transducer is required to obtain high quality images. You may be asked to move around or take a deep breath in.

Echocardiography and diagnostic ultrasound use the same underlying sound wave technology to generate images.

Because the heart is a moving and complex structure, the ultrasound waves used in echocardiography are specifically tailored to obtain the best possible images of the heart.

Information about electrical activity in the heart (ECG) and breathing is also collected during an echocardiography examination. This information is not usually collected during a diagnostic ultrasound examination for other parts of the body.

A referral form from your doctor (general practitioner or specialist physician) is needed.

To print a copy of the MRI Requisition Form. This form is needed before your MRI examination to ensure safety, and to optimize the MRI scan to your unique medical situation.

A radiologist, who is a physician specially trained in MRI and other radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your personal physician. Radiologists serving Access MRI are Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and are certified in Diagnostic Radiology.

No special preparation is needed.

We’re located at Highway 10 (56th  Avenue) and 152 Street in the Panorama Village Shopping Centre, across from the Surrey YMCA. Our mailing address is:

15137 56th Avenue,
Surrey BC
V3S 9A5

For directions, map and Translink directions, see the location page.

8:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We do not have a wait list. MRI scans can sometimes be obtained with 24 to 48 hours notice depending on our schedule. You can check availability using our online booking tool.

A report for your MRI scan is available to your doctor within 4 business days. Reports can be provided on a more urgent basis if required.

All MRI examinations require a referral. This requirement is established by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program of British Columbia. 

Diagnostic examinations start at $670.

When multiple examinations are requested, less total MRI time is required than if the examinations were performed at separate appointment times. ‘Add-on’ diagnostic and screening MRI examinations performed at the same time cost less for this reason.

No. Access MRI is a private clinic. The Medical Services Plan does not cover the cost of an MRI scan.

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure that provides valuable information about the structure and function of the heart.

The echocardiogram images are reviewed by a specialist physician to produce a report. That report will be available within 4 weekdays after the images have been obtained.