MRI Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that produces very detailed pictures of the body. The scanner uses a high-strength magnet, radio waves and computers to generate images that can be used to diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been. An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including:
- brain and spinal cord
- bones and joints
- breasts
- heart and blood vessels
- internal organs, such as the liver and intestines
What we need to know before your MRI scan
It is important that you tell us before the scan if you:
- are (or might be) pregnant
- have a heart pacemaker or an artificial heart valve
- have any electro-mechanical devices used for drug delivery
- have any surgical clips
- have a cochlear implant, a neurostimulator or a programmable hydrocephalus shunt
- have had any operations on your head
- have any metal implant in your body
- have had an injury to your eyes involving metal or metal fragments
- have had a capsule endoscopy (PillCam)
Having something metallic in your body doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t have an MRI scan, but it is important for us to know that you have it. We decide on an individual basis if there are any risks associated with your implant, and what we can do to make the scan as safe as possible.
What happens during an MRI scan?
During the MRI scan you will lie flat on a bed that is moved into the scanner. Depending on the part of your body being imaged, this will either be head first or feet first.
The MRI equipment is operated by a Radiographer. They control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to the Radiographer through an intercom, and they are able to see you at all times during your examination.
You will be given earplugs and headphones to wear during the scan, as the scanner makes loud noises whilst images are produced. It is very important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. The examination can last from 15-90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being imaged.
CT Scan
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is carried out using a special type of x-ray machine. The images the machine produces show much greater detail than standard x-rays, and this helps the doctors diagnose your condition much more accurately.
It’s important that you tell us before the scan if you:
- are (or might be) pregnant
- are diabetic and taking metformin
- have asthma
- have impaired renal function
- have any allergies or have had an allergic reaction to a dye called contrast medium before
What happens during my CT scan?
During the CT scan you will be asked to lie on a flat bed.
The CT equipment is operated by a Radiographer. They control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to the Radiographer through an intercom, and they are able to see you at all times during your examination.
Depending on the reason for the scan, you may be given a dye to help show more detail on the scan images. The dye is known as contrast medium. It can be given as a drink or injected into a vein.
You will need to lie still during the scan so that we can produce clear images. You may be asked to breathe in, out or hold your breath during the scan.
