Frequently Asked Questions
What is MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance imaging. It is a sophisticated
method of producing detailed images of the body’s internal
structures.
How does it work?
It is amongst the most advanced imaging technique developed to
date. MRI uses a very strong magnetic field & radiowaves and
thus avoids the use of x-rays.
Is it safe?
MRI is one of the safest diagnostic imaging methods available
with no known risks or side effects to date. However, certain
patients may not be safe to scan. If you have, or suffer from any
of the following please contact the x-ray department prior to your
scan.
1 Have you ever had any metal injuries to your eyes in your
lifetime?
2 Do you have artificial heartvalves or a cardiac pacemaker
fitted?
3 Have you ever had aneurysm clips fitted?
4 Do you have any medical devices implanted?
5 Do you suffer with claustrophobia?
The Radiographers will go through an in depth medical
questionnaire with you prior to the scan to check that you are 100%
safe to go into the scanner.
Pregnancy.
Whilst MRI is certainly safer than most other imaging techniques
(because it does not use x-rays) it is still not recommended for
women in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
If you have any concerns about safety, please do not hesitate to
contact the hospital x-ray department.
How should I prepare for the MRI examination?
On the day of the examination, you may eat, drink & take any
prescribed medication as normal (unless otherwise instructed prior
to the examination). It will be necessary to reconfirm the safety
questionnaire prior to undertaking your examination.
On arrival you will be greeted by a Radiographer. You will be
asked to remove any metal objects including hairgrips, glasses,
wigs, non-permanent metal dentures, devices attached to your body
& all jewellery (apart from gold wedding band). If possible it
is best to leave all valuables at home. Watches, mobile phones
& credit cards must also be removed as they may be damaged by
the magnetic field. All money & other valuables will be locked
away for you during your scan.
You may be asked to change into a gown or tracksuit so as to
ensure no metal buttons, zips or clips interfere with the magnetic
field. It is therefore wise to come dressed appropriately in
clothes with NO metallic fastenings.
What happens during the examination?
You will be taken to the scanner where the examination will be
explained further. You will be asked to lie down on the examination
couch & be made comfortable. It is important that you are
comfortable as you must lie perfectly still during the whole
examination. Patient movement is the single biggest cause of an
unsuccessful scan. The couch will then be raised & the body
part that is being examined will be positioned into the centre of
the magnet. Once you are in position, nothing else will move or
touch you. We require nothing more from you other than for you to
remain as motionless as possible.
The examination will usually take between 20 & 30 minutes
depending on the area of the body being scanned & the protocol
that has been requested by the Radiologist. However, do not be
alarmed if your examination takes a little longer. It is sometimes
necessary to supplement your examination by the injection of an MRI
dye (referred to as a contrast agent). This will help to
demonstrate your internal structures more clearly. The injection
should not affect you or your ability to drive home in any way.
The MRI examination is very noisy & you will be given ear
protectors to reduce the noise level. The scanner is equipped with
a music system so, please bring a CD along with you. The scanner
has a small selection of CD’s for those with no particular music
preferences.
What happens after the examination?
Once the scan is complete, the images will be reported by a
Radiologist (a Dr. specialising in looking at MRI images). The
report will then be sent on to the clinician who referred you for
the MRI.
The results will not be available instantly. Your doctor will be
able to discuss the scan results with you & will answer any
questions that you may have.