MRI

What you Need to Know

MRI, unlike most other forms of diagnostic imaging, uses magnetic fields and radio-waves to gain clearpictures of soft tissues or non calcified tissues such as muscles and ligaments inside your body. The technique uses powerful magnets to excite hydrogen nuclei in water molecules in human tissue, producing a signal which is then converted into highly detailed 2 D thin sliced images of the body

F.A.Q

-F.A.Q: How long will an MRI take?

-F.A.Q: Is an MRI safe

-F.A.Q: Who will perform my scan?

-F.A.Q: How should I prepare for my CT Scan

-F.A.Q: What should I expect when having an MRI scan?

-F.A.Q: After the scan

-F.A.Q: When will I get the results?

-F.A.Q: Can I bring a relative or friend with me?


-How long will an MRI take?

An MRI may take anything between 20 minutes and one hour to complete depending upon the location of the scan. You will be advised of how long your particular scan will take when you arrange your appointment.

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-Is an MRI safe

There are no known serious side effects of having an MRI. You should contact us in advance of your appointment if you answer yes to any of the following questions;


  1. Is there a possibility that you may be pregnant?

  2. Do you suffer from claustrophobia?

  3. Can you not able to lie flat comfortably?

  4. Do you have a Cardiac Pacemaker?

  5. Do you have a Cerebral aneurysm clip?

  6. Do you have metal implants of any kind, surgical implants or a hearing aid?

  7. Is there a possibility that you may have metal fragments in your eye(s)?

  8. Have you ever had an operations on your head


These questions are very important as metal devices or fragments cause interference with the MRI machine. If you are unsure of anything, which may affect your scan, please discuss it with your radiographer before you are taken through for your scan.

Occasionally MRI procedures require contrast dye which may have a small risk associated with it including infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions (including life threatening reactions). Our medical team will be on hand to deal with any issues that may arise.  

We would ask that you please notify us of any allergies, or bleeding problems that you may have.Please also bring copies of previous imaging with you to your appointment.

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-Who will perform my scan?

Your scan will be performed by one of our team of friendly radiographers.

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-How should I prepare for my CT Scan

Unless you are told otherwise, you should continue to eat and drink as normal before your scan. You will be asked to complete a series of questions before your scan which will include those in the section on ‘Is an MRI safe?’
We would also suggest if possible that you do no wear any clothes with zips or metal buttons as you will be asked to remove them.

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-What should I expect when having an MRI scan?

On your arrival for your MRI, you will firstly complete the registration process with our receptionist and also a questionnaire which you may already have received before your appointment. One of our radiographer team will then bring you to the examination area, ensure that you are comfortable and explain what is going to happen as part of your scan. You will be asked to change into a gown and to remove any jewellery, hairpins, glasses, non-permanent dentures and any materials containing metal.You will be provided with a tray to put your personal items into and which you can keep with you.
You will then be asked to lie down on the MRI bed and you will be made as comfortable as possible. You will be required to wear ear protection as it does make quite a lot of noise. The examination table will slowly move into the magnet, and you will be required to lie very still. The examination is made up of a series of three- to five-minute scans (depending on which part of you is being examined). There's a short pause between each scan
There is an intercom system in the machine which goes through your radiographer, so feel free to ask any questions, or to let the radiographer know if you feel uncomfortable at any time.
On occasions an enhancement agent (contrast dye) may be required to gain a clearer image of some areas, and this will be injected into your arm.

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-After the scan

You can eat and drink as normal following your MRI scan and resume your normal duties and return to work as necessary.
Occasionally MRI procedures require contrast dye. These have a small risk which include infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions (including life threatening reactions).

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-When will I get the results?

The images captured will be sent to the radiologist who will send the final report to your doctor. You will need to contact your own doctor directly to get the results of your scan.

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-Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

Yes but for safety reasons, they will only be allowed in the examination room in special circumstances. Children will not be allowed in the room with you during the scan.

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