• Find a clinic
  • Contact us
  • myImaging
  • Referrers IntelePACS
  • Search
Pacific Radiology
  • Why choose us?
    Why choose us
    Research & innovation
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Procedures
    Procedures Overview
    X-ray
    Ultrasound
    Pregnancy Ultrasound
    MRI
    CT Scan
    CT Calcium Score
    CT Colonography
    Breast Imaging
    PET - CT
    Bone Density
    Immigration X-ray
    Interventional Services
    Dental Imaging
    Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Patients
    myImaging Portal
    Procedures
    Feedback
    Our clinics
    Payments
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
  • Referrers
    IntelePACS
    Referrer Resources
    Referral Forms
    Image Access
    Referrer Support
  • About
    About us
    Our People
    Latest News
    Careers
    Contact us
    Book an appointment Find a clinic
Search
Procedures

Breast MRI

Used to obtain very detailed images of breast tissue.
Book an appointment
What is Breast MRI? Understanding your Breast MRI Before your MRI scan On the day of your Breast MRI scan During your scan After your scan Frequently asked questions

What is Breast MRI?

Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field, low energy radio waves, and a computer to produce very detailed images of breast tissue.  

Understanding your Breast MRI

Unlike mammograms, a breast MRI does not use x-rays. It is often used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound to screen for or diagnose breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. 

Before your MRI scan:

No preparation is generally required for this. Please eat and drink as normal and continue to take all your regular medications unless we ask you otherwise. 

If your scan does require some preparation, such as fasting, our booking specialists will let you know before the day of your scan. 

 

On the day of your Breast MRI scan:

Check in with reception upon arrival.  We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete any consent forms. 

You will be given a gown to change into and asked to remove most of your clothing.  

You will be asked to remove all your accessories including glasses, watches, jewellery, hearing aids and hair clips. 

If you have claustrophobia, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. You may need to get an oral sedative prescribed by your GP. If you decide you need a sedative, you should not take it before you arrive as we need you to sign your consent forms before taking it. 

During your scan:

Our MRI scanners are large and open at both ends, often described as a short tunnel. 

You will be positioned on the scanner table on your front with your head resting on your arms in front of you.  Your breasts will be positioned into openings in the table. 

Earplugs and headphones will be provided to protect your hearing and allow communication.  You can choose to listen to your favourite music or radio station during the scan. 

A call button will be provided to communicate with the staff if needed. 

Scans typically take 30 minutes but may be slightly shorter. Your Magnetic Imaging Technologist will let you know the expected duration before the scan begins. 

Sometimes a contrast agent (dye) is used to ‘highlight’ certain areas being scanned better. This will be injected into a vein in your arm if necessary. 

  

After your scan:

In most cases, you can resume normal activities immediately after the scan. 

If you had sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home and take it easy for the rest of the day. Taking a taxi or uber is not recommended if you have been sedated. 

The images will be interpreted by a radiologist (doctor), and the results will be sent to your doctor. 

Frequently asked questions

Your healthcare provider may recommend a breast MRI for several reasons, including: 

  • As part of breast cancer screening, in addition to mammography, if you are at high risk for breast cancer (usually due to a strong family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2). 
  • For additional screening if you have dense breasts. 
  • To evaluate the extent of cancer in people who have a new breast cancer diagnosis. 
  • To further evaluate breast abnormalities that are difficult to assess with mammography and breast ultrasound alone. 
  • To assess breast implant ruptures or detect breast cancer in people with implants 

Not all our clinics offer this service, please talk to our bookings team to find out if it’s offered near you. 

A support person may accompany you to your appointment but typically cannot enter the scan room. We kindly ask you not to bring children to your appointment and to keep to a maximum of one support person only.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touch Ask us

Book an appointment today.

Use our easy online booking tool to schedule your appointment at a time and location that’s most convenient for you.

Book now Find a clinic

At Pacific Radiology, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients' health information. We adhere to strict privacy policies and legal requirements to ensure that your personal health data is kept secure and used only for the purposes of providing you with the highest quality of care. Your trust is important to us, and we strive to maintain it by respecting your rights to privacy and confidentiality. ACC Southern Cross IANZ

ACC Southern Cross IANZ
General
Why choose us? Procedures myImaging Referrer Intelepacs
About us
Our People Research Careers News
Helpful links
Contact us Our clinics Payments Referrers Privacy policy Disclaimer
Home
© 2025 Pacific Radiology
Radi
This content is AI generated and is not medical advice. Please check for accuracy.