MRI is used to assess a number of medical conditions and provide specialised information. It can be used in addition to x-ray, CT and Ultrasound for further information.
At SCBD we have a 1.5T Magnetom ESSENZA which can undertake a range of imaging including musculoskeletal, neurological and abdominal imaging.
On the day of the appointment, you will need to bring in your referral letter and any related previous imaging. Prior to your appointment, you will be given a safety form to fill out.
You will be required to remove objects such as jewellery, watches, belts, shoes, wallets, dentures etc. Some scans require you to change into a patient gown.
Safety in MRI is essential, overall MRI is a safe procedure however, any previous surgical history needs to be investigated. If you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, heart valve replacement, neurostimulator, cochlear implant, injury from a metal fragment, metallic foreign body or a drug infusion device please notify staff beforehand. Patients with these implants may not be safe enough to scan. So further investigation is needed before your scan.
Most MRI scans do not involve any preparation. However, some abdominal imaging requires fasting of up to 8 hours. MR enterography requires a special diet plan to be carried out and the instructions and bowel preparation can be collected prior to the appointment.
MRI scan times can vary from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the type. Each region typically takes 20 minutes, however, more complex studies such as abdominal scans can take up to an hour.
Before the scan, the radiographer will go through the safety questionnaire to ensure there are no contraindications. The radiographer will explain the procedure beforehand. During the scan, you will be lying down and positioned comfortably to obtain diagnostic images. Depending on the region to be scanned a special device, known as a coil, will be placed around the particular body part to acquire the images. The scan is quite noisy but you will be provided with hearing protection and headphones to listen to some music.
The MRI machine is open at both ends and you will be provided with an emergency button if you require assistance during the scan. The technician has a two-way intercom for you to communicate. If you suffer from claustrophobia please advise the staff beforehand.
Some scans require an injection of contrast agent (gadolinium). In this instance, a cannula will be inserted into your vein.
