About MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a special technique that uses magnets and radiowaves to produce two and three-dimensional pictures of the inside of your body. MRI does not use X-rays. MRI can help diagnose and monitor many different medical conditions. It’s suitable for every part of the body, including the bones, soft tissues (such as blood vessels, ligaments and muscles) and the brain.
Is MRI suitable for you?
Not everyone can have an MRI scan. The magnetic field from the scan affects metals such as iron, nickel and steel. If you have
- a heart pacemaker
- metal prosthetic heart valves
- aneurysm clips (metal clips on arteries)
- metal pins, rods or screws in your bones
- inner ear implants
- an IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) or coil
- body piercing
- shrapnel or gunshot wounds
- had pieces of metal removed from your eyes or head
- any other implant in the body
Your doctor will discuss with you whether it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. MRI scans are also not usually done on women who are less than 12 weeks pregnant.
About the procedure
An MRI scan is routinely done as an out-patient procedure. The scan can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the examination.
If you are having an abdominal or pelvic scan you may be asked to follow special instructions about eating and drinking. Depending on the part of your body which is to be examined, a dye (contrast medium) may be used to make some tissues show up more clearly. These dyes are harmlessly removed from the blood by the kidney and passed out in the urine.
The scanner is a large tube-like machine. The tube generates the magnetic field needed for imaging. You will be taken to the imaging room and asked to lie on a table that can slide in or out of the scanner. You may need to go head-first or feet-first depending on the part of your body that is being scanned. Generally the part of your body to be examined will be placed in the middle of the tube. The tube is open ended.
A radiographer operates the scanner from behind a window, and will be able to see and hear you during the procedure. It can take several minutes for each picture to be taken, and it’s important to lie very still and breathe gently during the process.
The machine will make quite a loud knocking or buzzing sound so it may help to wear earplugs. In some units, music is played to help you relax.
When the scan is complete, the table will be moved back out from the scanner and your radiographer will help you get down from the table.
An MRI scan is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. Complications from an MRI scan test are uncommon and most people are not affected.
In rare cases, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast injection. Medicines are available to treat any allergic reaction. Most people do not mind having part of their body in a MRI scanner. But if you feel at all worried about this, please tell your doctor or radiographer.
Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of having an MRI scan and will also discuss alternatives to the procedure.
To find out more about having diagnostic tests with Spire Healthcare, please call you nearest Spire Healthcare hospital. Normally, you will need to obtain a GP or consultant referral before we can carry out any tests.
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