Do you bulk bill for MRI scans in Sydney?

No — MRI First is a private MRI clinic in Sydney and does not offer bulk billing. This allows us to provide upright, weight-bearing MRI scans with longer appointment times and a more comfortable open MRI experience.

Do I need a referral for an MRI scan in Sydney?

Yes — a valid referral from a GP or specialist is required before your MRI scan at MRI First Sydney.

What is an upright MRI scan?

An upright MRI scan is performed while you are sitting or standing in a weight-bearing position. This provides more clinically relevant imaging for spine, joint, and posture-related conditions compared to traditional lying-down MRI systems.

Is MRI safe? Does it use radiation?

Yes — MRI is safe. It uses no ionising radiation, making it a safer alternative to CT scans and X-rays. It is suitable for most patients including those who need repeated imaging.

What makes MRI First different from other MRI clinics in Sydney?

MRI First offers upright, weight-bearing open MRI scans — one of very few clinics in Australia to offer this technology. We provide longer appointment times, no radiation, and a more comfortable experience than traditional closed MRI machines.

How long does an MRI scan take at MRI First?

Most MRI scans at MRI First take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the area being scanned.

Where is MRI First located in Sydney?

MRI First is located at 2 Antrim Place, Kellyville NSW 2155, Sydney, Australia. We offer upright and open MRI scanning services to patients across the Hills District and greater Sydney.

When will I receive my MRI results?

Your MRI report is typically available within a few days and will be sent directly to your referring practitioner.

Revolutionizing Infant Imaging with Upright MRI Technology for Safe and Gentle Scans

MRI First
Apr 29
3 min read

Imaging infants has always been a challenge. Traditional MRI machines require patients to lie still inside a loud, enclosed tunnel, which is nearly impossible for babies without sedation or general anaesthesia. This often leads to infants undergoing CT scans instead, exposing them to harmful ionising radiation during a critical stage of development. Upright MRI technology offers a new way to scan infants safely, gently, and without stress, changing the experience for families and healthcare providers alike.

Mother holding her baby during an Upright MRI scan - Stress free

How Traditional Infant Imaging Falls Short

Traditional MRI machines are designed for adults and older children who can remain still for long periods. For infants, this is not realistic. The loud noises and confined space cause distress, making sedation or general anaesthesia necessary to complete the scan. Sedation carries risks such as respiratory complications and requires fasting beforehand, which can be difficult for babies.

Because of these challenges, many infants are sent for CT scans instead. While CT scans are faster, they expose babies to ionising radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer later in life. This trade-off between safety and image quality has long been a concern for parents and doctors.

What Makes Upright MRI Different

Upright MRI technology changes the approach to infant imaging by working with the baby's natural routine rather than against it. The machine allows the baby to be scanned while sitting upright, often in the parent's lap, in a calm and familiar environment. This design eliminates the need for sedation or anaesthesia.

Appointments are carefully scheduled around the baby’s feeding and nap times. This means the baby is scanned when they are naturally relaxed or asleep. The parent can feed or soothe the baby during the scan, helping the infant feel safe and comfortable.

The scan itself is quiet and gentle, capturing high-quality diagnostic images without the loud noises typical of traditional MRI machines. This approach reduces stress for both baby and parent and avoids exposure to radiation.

Benefits for Babies and Families

The Upright MRI offers several clear advantages:

No sedation or anaesthesia needed

Babies remain calm and asleep naturally, avoiding the risks and preparation involved with sedation.

No exposure to ionising radiation

Unlike CT scans, Upright MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, which are safe for infants.

Comfort and familiarity

Babies stay in their parent's lap, fed and soothed during the scan, reducing anxiety.

Flexible scheduling

Scans are timed around the baby’s routine, making the process less disruptive.

High-quality images

Despite the gentle approach, the technology delivers clear diagnostic images needed for accurate assessment.

Real-World Example

Consider a six-month-old infant who needed brain imaging due to unexplained seizures. The parents were worried about sedation risks and radiation exposure. Using Upright MRI, the appointment was scheduled just after the baby’s feeding time. The baby was cradled in the mother’s lap inside the machine and fed during the scan. The baby fell asleep naturally, and the scan was completed quietly without sedation. The doctors received clear images to diagnose the condition, and the parents avoided the stress and risks of traditional imaging methods.

What Parents Should Know Before the Scan

Parents preparing for an Upright MRI scan can expect a smooth experience:

The medical team will ask about the baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule to plan the appointment.
Parents should bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy to comfort the baby.
There is no need to fast the baby before the scan.
Parents will be present throughout the scan, holding and soothing the baby.
The scan usually takes less time than traditional MRI procedures requiring sedation.

The Future of Infant Imaging

Upright MRI technology represents a shift towards more patient-centered care in infant imaging. It respects the baby’s natural rhythms and prioritizes safety and comfort. As more hospitals and clinics adopt this technology, families can expect fewer stressful imaging experiences and better health outcomes.

This technology also opens doors for earlier and more frequent imaging when needed, without the concerns of sedation or radiation. Early diagnosis can lead to timely treatment and better long-term health for infants.