Expecting a child to remain still whilst in a noisy environment, can be challenging for our younger patients, and it can be difficult to ensure no movement occurs during the MRI scan. Movement during an MRI scan can result in images needing to be repeated, essentially resulting in more time spent in the scanner. Therefore, we recommend an initial appointment to our mock scanner, so that our younger patients can become acclimatised to this, ensuring that their MRI appointment runs efficiently. While some children may be able to accommodate these requirements, others will require a general anaesthetic to enable the best images to be acquired. CAMRI is one of the few MRI facilities in New Zealand fully equipped with general anaesthesia and resuscitation equipment. Our team of consultant anaesthetists, technicians and recovery nurse are fully registered. Their extensive experience enables us to offer the best possible care for your child. For children that are comfortable and relaxed in the MRI scanner, we are able to offer a movie to watch or a story to listen to during the scan.

The Centre has a specific interest in congenital heart disease, ventricular function for cardiomyopathy and viability, pericardial disease and flow imaging. Ventricular function is assessed using 3D software, producing cardiac mass, ventricular volumes and ejection fractions.

Liver lesions at times can be difficult to characterise, however MRI scans and specific liver contrast agents, can provide a more accurate diagnosis. Iron disorders of the liver can be assessed non-invasively by MRI scanning. Our system has been specifically calibrated to enable quantification of liver iron concentration. Liver, liver iron studies, MRCP, renal and adrenal scans are part of our standard abdominal imaging protocols.

MR Angiography evaluates the arteries in the body with the use of a contrast injection - particularly of the head and neck, thoracic and abdominal aorta, the renal arteries, and the legs. When it is not possible to administer a contrast injection, CAMRI has a selection of non contrast techniques available for use in certain circumstances.

Measurement of liver iron concentration is critical in the management of patients with potentially fatal iron overload conditions. FerriScan is globally recognised as the gold standard in the measurement of liver iron overload. FerriScan is also available as a dual service with a Cardiac T2* measurement to enable better-informed decisions on the management of patients at risk of iron-induced organ damage. FerriScan analysis provides proven accuracy in the determination of liver iron concentration and has the highest sensitivity and specificity over the range of liver iron concentrations of any MRI-based method of LIC measurement.

The Centre for Advanced MRI (CAMRI) offers a 'Mock Scanner' experience which allows for a test run of what a real scan will be. It was the first facility of its kind in the country, so we have plenty of experience with making our patients feel at ease. The purpose of the Mock MRI is to enable children who require an MRI scan for clinical or research purposes to become familiar with the noisy and confined environment of the scanner and to practice the tasks expected of them. It is hoped that it will reduce the need for general anaesthesia in some young or anxious children, with an MRI experience that has been designed to be a fun and engaging "play" activity. The 'Mock Scanner' is also used to prepare anxious or claustrophobic adult patients prior to their MRI scan and can reduce the requirement for sedation.