This information leaflet has been produced to give you general information and hopes to answer most of your questions regarding your MRI scan. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
Please contact us prior to your scan if:
- You have answered yes to any question on your MRI safety questionnaire attached to your appointment letter
- You have ever had metal fragments in your eyes, no matter how long ago
- You are or you might be pregnant
- You weigh more than 200 kg or 31 stone
What is an MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a type of scan that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce high quality pictures of the tissues and organs inside the body.
These pictures are examined by a Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading MRI images) and will help us to diagnose if there are any problems.
What do I need to wear?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your scan. You will also need to remove all loose metal objects, jewellery, hair grips, watches and credit cards. These items will be placed in a secure locker while you are in the scanner. If you are coming for a scan of your head or eyes please remove any eye make-up before you arrive.
Is there any preparation for my scan?
The most important preparation for your scan is to complete the safety questionnaire. The safety questionnaire is attached to your appointment letter. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you must phone the MRI department on 0191 445 3782 as soon as possible.
Most MRI scans do not require any additional preparation but please check your appointment letter. For some examinations, such as gall bladder, pelvis or small bowel, you may be required not to eat or drink for a specified number of hours. If so, this will be explained in your appointment letter.
Can I take my prescribed medicines as normal?
Yes, take all medicines as normal.
Are there any risks?
MRI is one of the safest diagnostic tests available. However, you MUST NOT have a scan at this site if you have:
- A cardiac pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator
- A cochlear implant (in your ear)
Other implants we may need to check the safety information prior to scanning, please contact the department if you have any implants.
What should I do if I have any worries or concerns about my MRI scan?
If you have any worries or concerns about your scan, please ring the department. The MRI team will be happy to discuss your concerns and provide reassurance before you come for your scan. If you are claustrophobic, the Radiographers can provide additional information and support to enable you to have your scan.
What happens at the hospital before the scan?
When you arrive in the department, you will be greeted by the MRI Team. A member of the team will take your safety questionnaire and review all the questions with you again. This is a very important part of the examination, and the purpose is to ensure your safety in the MRI department.
You will then be asked to remove any loose metal items, jewellery, watches, hair grips and credit cards. These will be locked away in secure lockers. You will also be weighed prior to your scan.
Will I need an injection?
If we are scanning certain areas of your body, we may need to give you an injection of MRI dye (contrast) into a vein in the arm or back of your hand. This dye highlights the blood vessels and body organs more clearly on MRI images. If you do need an injection, we will need to ask you a number of questions about your medical history.
The MRI dye injection contains gadolinium which can cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. You should tell the radiographer if you have had an allergic reaction to MRI dye in the past or if you have any other allergies.
If you are having a pelvis scan, you may need to have an injection of Buscopan. Buscopan stops the bowel from moving around for the duration of the scan and helps to get clear pictures.
Buscopan can make your mouth dry, vision blurred and increase your heart rate significantly. If you have undiagnosed narrow angle glaucoma (a very rare condition); Buscopan could cause the pressure behind your eyes to increase. If you develop painful, red and itchy eyes, within 24 hours after this test, please seek medical assistance.
What happens during the scan?
In the scan room, the Radiographer (member of the MRI team trained to carry out scans) will explain the MRI examination to you and what to expect. You can ask any questions you may have.
You will be asked to lie on either your back or front on the scanning table. The scanning table will move up and into the scanner. You will need to lie very still while the scan is in progress. You may be asked to hold your breath during the scan.
The scanner is very noisy and you will be given headphones to protect your hearing during the scan. The headphones will also let you hear the Radiographer speaking to you and allow you to speak back to the Radiographer. You will also be given a safety buzzer to press if you need to speak to the Radiographer during your scan.
How long does the scan take?
The actual scan itself usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you have been referred for two or more areas, it will take longer.
We will try to keep to your appointment time but occasionally, we have to scan patients urgently at short notice. This means your appointment could be delayed. We will let you know if this is the case.
What happens after the scan?
Once the scan is finished you can go home or back to the ward if you are staying in hospital. For most MRI scans, there is no reason why you cannot drive home afterwards and resume normal activities; however, please check your appointment letter. You can eat and drink as normal.
If you have had an injection of dye, we will ask you to wait 15 minutes before your cannula can be removed and you can leave the MRI department. This is to ensure you are feeling ok after the injection.
How do I find out the results of my scan?
The results of your scan will go back to your referrer (the doctor or person who referred you for the scan). Although this takes 2-3 weeks, your results will not usually be discussed with you until your follow up appointment.
The Radiographer undertaking your scan cannot comment on your pictures as all results are produced by Radiologists (doctors who specialize in examining MRI images).
Who do I contact if I have any concerns regarding my scan?
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the MRI department on (0191) 445 3782.
