Advanced imaging and image-guided procedures are powerful clinical tools. Safety begins with selecting the right examination, obtaining accurate medical information and following appropriate preparation and aftercare.
Safety begins with the right indication
An unnecessary test can expose a patient to risk, cost and anxiety without meaningful benefit. An examination that is too limited can create false reassurance. MBR Health’s safety process includes modality selection, protocol design, appropriate contrast use and responsible communication of findings.
MRI safety
MRI does not use ionising radiation, but the strong magnetic field can interact with metal, implants and electronic devices. Some devices are MR Conditional and may be scanned only under specified conditions. Implant and device information should be provided before the appointment.
CT and radiation safety
CT uses ionising radiation. When CT is clinically justified, the expected diagnostic benefit generally outweighs the small radiation risk. Dose should be tailored to the patient, body region and clinical question while remaining high enough to produce a diagnostic examination.
Contrast safety
Most MRI contrast agents are gadolinium-based. Liver-specific gadoxetate disodium is marketed as Primovist in Australia and Eovist in some other countries; both names refer to a gadolinium-based agent. CT contrast usually contains iodine. Before contrast, the clinic may ask about kidney function, previous reactions, asthma, thyroid disease, diabetes medications, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Procedure safety
Image-guided procedures require consent, sterile preparation, medication review, accurate needle planning and post-procedure instructions. Imaging guidance is particularly important for deep targets, spine procedures, complex anatomy and regenerative treatments where delivery accuracy affects safety and potential effectiveness.
Your role in safety
- Tell the clinic about implants, metal, surgery and devices.
- Disclose pregnancy or possible pregnancy.
- Report allergies and previous contrast reactions.
- Provide information about kidney disease and diabetes medication.
- Disclose blood thinners, immune-suppressing medication and active infection.
- Follow fasting, transport and aftercare instructions.
Related Patient Guides
- PG0001 – Welcome to MBR Health: Advanced Medical Imaging and Regenerative Medicine
- PG0002 – How to Choose the Right Imaging Test
- PG0003 – Why Image Quality Matters in Medical Imaging
- PG0004 – What Happens After My Scan? Understanding Reports, Results and Follow-up
- PG0005 – Incidental Findings: What They Are and Why They Matter
- PG0006 – Preparing for Your Appointment at MBR Health
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Is MRI safer than CT?
MRI avoids ionising radiation, but it has different safety issues related to the magnetic field, implants and devices. CT may be the fastest and most appropriate test for many clinical questions.
Is contrast dangerous?
Most patients tolerate contrast well. Reactions are uncommon, but allergies, kidney function and other medical factors must be considered. The decision to use contrast should be based on the clinical benefit and individual risk.
Why do you ask so many safety questions?
Important details may not be visible on the referral. Accurate information about implants, medication, pregnancy, allergies and previous reactions helps the team choose the safest pathway.
| Important: Seek urgent medical advice for severe pain, shortness of breath, facial or throat swelling, widespread rash, fever or new neurological symptoms after contrast or a procedure. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-0007 [Patient information: medical imaging safety]
