The Centre for Advanced MRI (CAMRI) was established in 2004, and is located at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. We are a private facility, offering advanced MRI services to both clinicians and researchers. We are IANZ accredited, and work with a wide range of clients, including Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora, private medical specialists and insurance companies, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and both University and commercial researchers.
We are an affiliated provider for Southern Cross Heath Insurance, so if you are insured with Southern Cross, CAMRI can seek prior approval on your behalf.
Our 3T Siemens Vida Fit (70cm wide bore), and 1.5T Siemens Avanto Fit system MRI scanners, plus a full set of coils, allows imaging of any part of the body. Every body part from small regions such as fingers and wrists, to whole body scans can be easily accommodated.
The comprehensive range of software allows post processing analysis in specialty imaging and our pool of consultant radiologists are highly qualified in their specific areas of interest.
While we are able to scan any area of the body, our areas of specialty include: cardiac, paediatric, neurological, vascular MRA, and advanced liver studies including FerriScans and MR Elastography (MRE).
Both scanners have the latest technology and software options allowing us to provide specialised techniques that are not available in regular private practices.
One of our latest techniques is Liver Lab, a simple test to evaluate fat and iron infiltration in the liver. This is important for monitoring early liver disease, and a possible alternative to a liver biopsy.
Liver Elastography is another new technique for evaluating tissue stiffness, especially useful for assessing liver fibrosis and monitoring disease progression.
Non contrast angiography is available at CAMRI using a technique called QISS. Clients unable to receive an administration of contrast can benefit from this technique by non-invasively imaging the peripheral vascular tree.
We are able cater to our younger patients by providing the opportunity to watch a movie of their choice, or listen to an audio story whilst they have their scan.
We also have a mock scanner, which is an MRI Scanner 'shell' without it's inner workings. This allows for anxious patients to have a test run of what a real scan would be like, helping them to familiarise and prepare for their scan. This is particularly useful for children and can reduce the need for sedation or general anaesthesia.
CAMRI is acknowledged by Siemens as their number one cardiac research facility in the world and this close collaboration allows access to the latest equipment and software developments for clinical and advanced research procedures.
Medical Specialists
Our consulting medical specialists are all highly qualified in their respective areas which include paediatric, cardiac, vascular and neurological MRI. CAMRI also has anaesthetists who provide the opportunity for MRI under general anaesthetic if necessary.