The MRI Scan

What is an MRI scan?

• MRI means ‘magnetic resonance imaging’. It's an imaging technique using a strong magnetic field to produce high-quality pictures of soft tissue inside your body, for example muscles and ligaments

Is it safe?

• MRI has been used for over 20 years in the UK. There are no known serious side effects
• However, you should contact us if you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following:
  • You're pregnant or may be pregnant
  • You have a cardiac pacemaker
  • You have an artificial heart valve
  • You have a cochlear implant, neurostimulator, or programmable hydrocephalus shunt
  • You have any metal implant in your body
  • You've had an injury to your eyes involving metal or metal fragments
  • You've had any operations on your head

Who will I see?

• You'll see a small team of radiography staff who'll care for you during your visit. One of the radiographers will carry out the examination

Do I need an injection?

• We may need to give you an injection to increase the amount of information we can get from the scan, depending on the area we're scanning

Before the scan

• We'll ask you some safety questions when you book your appointment over the 'phone, and you'll need to fill in a safety questionnaire that we'll send you with your appointment letter. Please remember to bring this with you to your appointment
• Unless we let you know, you don't need to make any special preparations before your MRI scan and you can continue to eat and drink as normal and take any prescribed medicine
• There are a few simple instructions that you need to follow before the scan:
  • If possible, you should come dressed in clothes without zips or metal buttons
  • You should leave any valuable possessions, such as jewellery or watches, at home
  • You should 'phone us 24 hours before your scan to confirm your appointment
  • You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment
  • You should tell us about any special circumstances (for example, if you need wheelchair access, if you're hard of hearing, if you have poor eyesight or if you're claustrophobic)
  • And, if you're diabetic, please contact us for advice

What happens during my appointment?

• Click here to watch a quick overview video
• When you arrive please go to the reception desk (please bring your appointment letter which may have details of who to ask for)
• The radiographer or another member of staff will meet you and explain the procedure to you
• We'll give you the chance to ask any questions
• We'll check your safety questionnaire once more (or ask you to fill one in if you haven’t already) and ask you to sign a consent form if necessary. The radiographer will check all questions with you before your scan
• We may ask you to change or take some of your clothes off.  In this instance, we may ask you to put on a hospital gown and you should put your clothes and personal belongings in the container we provide, which we'll keep safe for you
• You'll be asked to lie down on the MRI bed and we'll make sure you're as comfortable as possible. The radiographer will move you into the middle of the scanner. You'll be asked to stay as still as possible and you'll be given either ear defenders or ear plugs to wear because of the scanner noise
• The examination is made up of a series of three- to five-minute scans (depending on which part of you is being examined). There's a short pause between each scan
• The radiographer operating the scanner will help you through the procedure and will talk to you between each scan. If you have difficulty during a scan you'll be able to use an emergency call bell in case you need any help

Will it be uncomfortable?

• You'll be comfortable but you'll hear some loud mechanical sounds from the scanner which are completely normal for this type of investigation.

How long will it take?

• Most scans take around 30 minutes but can take up to two hours, depending on the area being scanned

After the scan

• You can eat and drink normally after the scan
• You can also drive home afterwards and return to work as necessary

Are there any side effects?

• If the area we scan needs an injection (known as a ‘contrast medium’), there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash or asthma attack. We have medical staff on standby who are trained to deal with this

When will I get the results?

• A radiologist will examine the images shortly after your visit and send a report to your doctor or consultant, normally within two to four days.
• You'll need to make an appointment with your doctor or consultant to get your results

Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

• Yes, but they'll only be allowed into the examination room in special circumstances (for safety reasons) and after they’ve filled in a questionnaire
• Children won't be allowed into the room while you're having an examination, so you'll need to make arrangements for them before you come to your appointment

More videos from AMTV

Learn more

• MRI Frequently Asked Questions - detailed answers to your common questions
• What do the images look like? Take a look at some sample images here
• AMTV: Patient Channel - browse our patient video gallery here
• Scan Dictionary - an A-Z of common terms
• Find your location - find your location here
• Arrange a scan - if you'd like to arrange a scan for yourself, find out more here
• Infection control - learn what we're doing to keep you safe here
• Got a question, query or concern? Just contact us, we'd be delighted to help