Before your appointment
MRI uses strong magnets to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Because of these strong magnets if you have certain implants or certain metal objects in your body, you may not be able to have a scan, or you may require extra safety checks before scanning.
Please contact us using the number on your appointment letter if you have any of the following, even if you have been told you can have MRI scans or have had previous MRI scans with the implant in place:
- Pacemaker of implanted defibrillator.
- Surgical clips in your head.
- Ever had a metal fragment enter your eye or head, even if you think it has been removed.
- Hearing devices implanted into the head and ear (normal hearing aids are ok).
- Implanted electronic devices (such as spinal cord or nerve stimulators. Even if you have had them removed.
- Any extendible bone device (such as a leg lengthening device).
- Any implants where a magnet is used to access a port for injections (such as a gastric band).
- Any implant with an electronic programmer.
- Shunts that can be programmed (fixed pressure shunts are ok).
- If you have or are due to have any surgical or endoscopic procedures within six weeks before your MRI appointment.
- If you are pregnant.
- Note for patients with wearable glucose monitors
- Most manufacturers advise removing glucose monitors before having an MRI scan, although the monitor poses no risk to you during the scan the magnet may damage the device. We therefore advise that you have a replacement sensor patch available before your scan.
Note for patients with wearable glucose monitors
Most manufacturers advise removing glucose monitors before having an MRI scan, although the monitor poses no risk to you during the scan the magnet may damage the device. We therefore advise that you have a replacement sensor patch available before your scan.
What is an MRI scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. MRI does not use any ionising radiation and most patients tolerate the scan very well.
Preparation
There is no need to stop taking any medications before the scan and you may eat and drink as normal.
Before your scan you will be asked to remove any loose metal objects, watches, credit cards, money or electronic devices, for security reasons we advise that you leave any valuables at home. If there is any metal on your clothing near to where we are scanning you may be asked to remove the item of clothing, a gown will be provided. It is recommended to bring loose fitting comfortable clothes.
It’s important that you do not come to your appointment with wearable weights or wearable magnets. If you use cosmetics with magnetic substances (such as magnet attached eye lashes) please make sure you do not wear these on the day of your scan and make sure any previously applied make-up is fully removed. If we are scanning your head it is advised not to wear ‘heavy’ eye makeup as this can cause artefacts on the images. If you have hair extensions that use metal fastenings, then please remove these before your scan.
What will happen during my examination?
You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire before entering the department (staff are available to help if you require). For your own safety it is important to complete this form as accurately as possible.
For some of our examinations we may need to give you an injection of a special dye (known as a contrast agent). If we need to give you this contrast agent a small plastic tube called a cannula will be placed in your hand or arm and remain in place for the duration of the scan (please note if you have a line already implanted such as a PICC line, Hickman line or port we still advise a cannula. This is because we inject the contrast relatively fast, and there is a small chance this will disrupt your line. If you still wish us to use the implanted line, please contact us before your appointment so we can ensure a suitable trained member of staff is available to access the line).
Once you are ready for the scan you will be asked to lay down on a bed and depending on the area we are scanning a piece of equipment (known as a coil) may be placed on or over you. You will be given a pair of headphones and a button to contact the Radiographer if you have any problems.
You will then be placed into the MRI scanner; this is a wide tube. During the scan the MRI machine will make a loud noise, this is normal. The scan will take between 20 minutes to an hour (depending on what we are scanning), and you must stay very still for the duration. If you think you may not be able to stay still, please speak to the Radiographer before the scan.
Modern MRI scanners are very well tolerated by patients but if you suffer from claustrophobia then please let the team know when you arrive for your scan, and they will help talk you through the procedure. Please note the MRI department is not able to prescribe sedatives.
We attempt to stay on-time; however, the MRI service also provides imaging for the emergency department and wards. We sometimes have to accommodate very ill patients, and this can delay the list. Please give at least two hours for your appointment.
How will I receive the results?
The scan will be reported by a Radiologist and the results will be sent to the person who requested your scan. If you have not had a result after four weeks, please contact your referrer. Radiology cannot give results directly to patients.
Childcare – Under 16 years of age
The Trust is unable to take responsibility to look after children under the age of 16 and your children cannot enter the scan room. We request that parents or carers find alternative childcare arrangements during their Radiology appointments. If you bring children with you, they must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older. Failure to follow this request will result in your appointment being rearranged.
Gender diversity
During your appointment you will be asked about the biological sex you were at birth. This information will ensure we can safely perform the examination and may also assist with your diagnosis. All disclosed information will remain confidential.
Transport
If you require and are entitled to hospital transport then please note this has not been booked. To book transport please ring 0300 330 2000. Please note that if your appointment is booked on an evening or weekend this means we have not been told you require transport and these times might fall outside of the transport services operating times, so please contact the department using the number on your letter to check that your appointment time is appropriate.