Spire Alexandra Hospital has a state-of-the-art static MRI scanner with appointments available Monday to Friday, including Wednesday evenings. A new fixed-site CT scanner will become operational early in 2009, replacing our current mobile service. Appointments will be offered Monday to Friday including evenings to fit in with our patients' busy lives.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Strong magnetic fields and radio frequency waves are used to create detailed images of the body. As it can look at soft tissue in detail, MRI scanning is of particular use in visualising the spine, joints and internal organs of the abdomen to aid diagnosis.
MRI examinations take between 20 and 60 minutes depending on the type and complexity of the scan. Patients are usually offered headphones so they can listen to music during the scan, to help muffle the noise of the scanner and to improve comfort.
CT (Computerised Tomography)
Specialist x-ray equipment is combined with computer technology to create detailed images of the inside of the body. CT scanners can produce three-dimensional images from the chest to the hip area during a single breath held for up to 20 seconds. This makes CT scanning particularly useful in imaging moving organs such as the heart, lungs and intestines.
For more information about Spire Alexandra Hospital’s MRI and CT scanning services call 01634 662863 or complete our online enquiry form.