MRI

You will be positioned on the scanning table either head first or feet first, depending on the part of your body being scanned. You will be given ear protection because the scanner makes a loud drumming noise.

The Radiographer will go into a different room during the scan but you will be able to talk to them at any point throughout the procedure via an intercom; they will watch and be able to hear you at all times. You will also be given a buzzer to hold so you can interrupt the scan, if needed.

Sometimes an injection (called a contrast dye) will be required to give a clearer picture of certain tissues or organs being examined but this will be discussed with you. If you are given an injection, you will be asked to remain in the imaging department for 30 minutes after the scan is complete.

Yes, you must have a referral from a doctor or a registered healthcare practitioner such as a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor.

A Radiographer will greet you for your MRI examination and go through the procedure with you.

You will be asked to fill out a safety questionnaire prior to your scan and asked to remove all metal items such as jewellery, belts, watches and money.

Most MRI scans do not require any special preparation; you should continue with any medication.

If you are having a scan of your:

• Abdomen and pelvis: you should not have anything to eat or drink for 2 hours before your appointment. Small sips of water are acceptable.
• Head or orbits (eye sockets): you should not wear any eye make-up when you attend your appointment.

MRI involves magnets which may interact with objects on your possession such as jewellery or money. You may be asked to change into a gown so the Radiographer can be sure that you do not have any metal on your person during the scan.

The Consultant Radiologist will write a report based on the images acquired during your scan. This report will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours. You can discuss the results with your clinician at your follow-up appointment.

You can resume normal activities immediately after the scan is complete.

MRI does not use x-rays and is deemed safe. However, not everyone can enter the magnetic field in the MRI room.

It is essential that you inform us before your scan if you:

• Have a heart pacemaker or have had other heart surgery
• Have ever had metal fragments in your eye
• Have shrapnel in your body near major blood vessels or organs
• Have surgical/aneurysm clips in your head or a hydrocephalus shunt
• Are, or think you may be, pregnant
• Have had surgery in the past 8 weeks
• Require an interpreter or have any specific needs that we should be made aware of

Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.