Do
you have questions about the services that we offer? 
Below is a list of some frequently asked
questions, along with our answers.
Q:
What is MRI and how does it work
A: MRI stands
for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI scanner allows radiologists
to view detailed images in cross-section of certain areas in
the body without using interventional techniques or ionising
radiation (x-rays). The MRI scanner uses a combination of a
strong magnetic field, radio frequency waves and computer technology
to produce very clear images of human anatomy and to detect
areas of abnormality. The clarity of anatomical detail on MRI
imaging is superior to other diagnostic imaging modalities.
Q:
Can anybody have an MRI scan?
A: No; there
are certain significant contra-indications to MRI.
For example,
if you have a cardiac pacemaker, you should not have an MRI.
It could be potentially fatal. There may be certain parts in
the pacemaker that may be adversely affected by the magnetic
field of the MRI scanner, causing the apparatus to malfunction
or cease operating.
Other Contra-Indications:
Aneurysm
clips. These are metallic clips that have been surgically clipped
around a bleeding vessel. Some aneurysm clips are MRI safe;
some are not. You need to check with the surgeon who installed
the clips to be sure the manufacturer has tested it and found
it to be MRI safe before booking your MRI.
Other conditions
that need to be investigated before an MRI scan can be safely
undertaken are:
Neurostimulators
Metal heart valves
Metal Implants
Drug Infusion Devise/Pump
Ear Implants
Inferior Vena Cava filter
Metal Objects in Eyes
Surgical Staples or Wires
Bone or Joint Replacements
Metal Plates, Rods, Pins or Screws
Penile Implants
Shrapnel
Pregnancy
Vascular Coils and Filters
If any of
the above apply to you, be sure to make the radiographer and
staff at the MRI Centre aware in advance, and also tell the
doctor who is referring you for an MRI scan. They will be able
to tell you if it is safe for you to have the MRI scan. In
most cases you will be able to have the scan, but please leave
that decision to the professionals. On arrival at the MRI Centre
you will be asked to complete an MRI Safety Questionnaire which
will cover all of the above.
Note: Anyone
accompanying the patient to any area near the MRI scanner is
subject to the same dangers and will have to complete a Safety
Questionnaire before entering the magnet room.
Q:
Is there any danger in having an MRI scan?
A: YES. For
some people it is contraindicated as explained in the previous
answer. Click here to see if it
is safe for you to have an MRI.
Q:
What do I have to do to prepare myself for an MRI?
A: The first
step is to be certain that it is safe for you to have an MRI
scan. If you are not certain, click here.
Preparing
for an MRI exam is easy. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise,
please take your medications as usual. There are no food or
drink restrictions.
The only
unusual preparation for an MRI scan is that all removable metallic
objects must be left outside the scanning room. These include
jewellery, keys, watches, coins, eyeglasses, removable hearing
aids, dentures and prosthetic devices.
Credit cards
should not be brought anywhere near the MRI magnet. Since they
are magnetically coded, the MRI’s magnet, which is very
powerful, can easily corrupt the information stored on them.
Q:
Should I avoid eating certain things before the MRI?
A: There
are no food or drink restrictions.
Q: Does
it hurt? Will I feel anything?
A: There
is no pain associated with this MRI scan. Unlike many other
MRI scanners, ours are quiet, comfortable and non-claustrophobic.
Q:
I've heard that some MRI scanners induce claustrophobic reactions.
Do yours?
A: Our scanner
is an Open MRI and very patient friendly. There are no tunnels
or tubes to go into. Our scanner is quiet, comfortable, and
non-claustrophobic and you can even watch television during
your scan as long as you keep still.
Q:
Will my insurance cover the cost of the MRI?
A: You will
need to contact your insurance company before booking the MRI
scan and if they agree to cover the cost they will give you
authorisation details which you need to bring with you to the
MRI Centre.
Q: What happens if I cancel my appointment?
If you cancel your scan with less than 24 hours notice we may charge a cancellation fee of £250.
Q:
Do I need a doctor’s referral letter for an MRI?
A: We would prefer a referral via a clinical professional. If your doctor refers you to have an MRI scan he/she will write a letter or complete our referral form with your clinical details to help the MRI radiologist provide the best possible diagnostic report. Usually the doctor will send this form in advance of your appointment but occasionally you will be asked to bring it with you when you come for your MRI exam.
Q:
What should I bring with me when I come for my MRI?
- The referral
letter / form from your doctor
- Your insurance
company details if applicable
- Some way
of paying, if you are paying yourself ie. Visa / debit / credit
card.
Q:
What will the MRI staff want to know about me?
A: The receptionist
and MRI radiographer will ask you questions about your medical
history. This will be in the format of MRI Safety Questionnaires.
They will check to see if it is safe for you to have an MRI
scan. If you are not sure if it is safe for you, click here.
The receptionist
will also ask you for certain insurance information, so bring
your insurance details with you.
Q:
How should I dress? Will I have to wear any special clothing?
A: When it
comes to how to dress for an MRI scan, the main thing to be
aware of is that metal can degrade or ruin MRI images. Therefore,
you should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, but keep
in mind that metal must be avoided in or near the region where
you are going to be scanned. The radiographer may decide to
ask you to change into a gown as some modern textile cause
artefacts on images.
All body-pierced
jewellery must be removed.
If you are
having a scan in the head or neck area, remove all makeup (some
makeup has metallic particles in it) and all metallic items
such as hair clips, earrings, and facial jewellery. Please
notify the radiographer if you have any facial tattoos, such
as eyeliner or eyebrow tattoos.
Don't worry.
If you do not have suitable clothing, we will give you a gown.
Q:
What will happen?
A: Depending
on the type of scan your doctor has requested, the radiographer
may position a “coil” around the region of your
body that is to be scanned. This will pick up intensified signal
from that area. For example if you are having a head scan,
your head will rest in a special head support / coil to ensure
the best images are acquired. Once you are comfortably positioned,
the radiographer will start the scan.
At that point,
all you have to do is be as absolutely still as you possibly
can until the MRI scan is over – the stiller the better.
The reason you have to lie still is that movement blurs the
MRI images. Depending on what your doctor ordered and the area
being scanned, the procedure will take between 15 and 45 minutes,
made up of a number of different scan sequences each sequence
taking a few minutes. The radiographer will be able to tell
you how long it should take. You won't feel anything, but you
will hear some low-volume, intermittent, rumbling noises throughout
the scan. These sounds are normal. Our scanners are very quiet
in comparison to "tunnel" MRI scanners whose sounds
are sometimes described as firing machine guns or rattling
garbage cans.
A microphone
will be placed near you so you will be able to speak to the
staff at any time during the scan. If you like, someone can
be with you in the scanner room, provided it's safe for the
person to be there. (A visitor is subject to the scanner's
magnetic field too. So please make sure it is safe for the
visitor to be in the scanner room. Click here for a discussion on MRI safety.)
It is common for a parent to stay with a child. In fact, we
encourage it.
Q:
Do I have to lie very still?
A: Yes -
as still as you can. The stiller you are during the scan, the
better the MRI image. Moving causes blurring of the image.
If you move too much, the images will be too blurry for the
radiologist to see what he needs to see, and you will have
to reschedule for another MRI scan.
Q:
How long will it take?
A: That depends
on what part of the body is to be scanned and whether or not
your doctor has ordered any special or extra scans. Normally,
the entire scan takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
Q:
Will I be able to drive after I have the exam?
A: Yes. The
MRI has no known physiological side effects. However, if you
have taken a sedative, there may be some restrictions.
Q:
Will I be getting an injection?
A: In certain
situations, it may be necessary to inject a patient with a
contrast agent in order for the proper diagnosis to be ascertained.
The radiologist will make that decision. In our experience,
approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients require a contrast
agent. For example, MRI exams of regions containing scar tissue
from a previous surgical procedure are often best evaluated
with the aid of a contrast agent.
The contrast
agent is injected intravenously into the arm. The procedure
is performed by a qualified healthcare professional. There
are potential side effects. If you require the contrast agent,
you will be made fully aware of possible side effects prior
to the injection.
Q:
Is it OK to have an MRI if I'm pregnant?
A: If you
are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you must first
consult with the physician before you have an MRI scan. You
must also inform the staff at the MRI scanning centre. We do
not routinely scan patients’ abdomen or pelvis within
the first 3 months of pregnancy. No side effects have yet been
proved but we remain very cautious.
It has not
been shown that MRI is harmful to unborn children. However,
if you choose to have the MRI, you will be asked to sign a
consent form.
Q:
Can someone else stay with me in the MRI scanner room?
A: Yes. Since
our MRI scanners are open, there is ample space for someone
to accompany you into the scanner room, even hold your hand
during the scan. Warning: The person accompanying the patient
will be exposed to the scanner's magnetic field just as the
patient is, so please make sure it is safe for the visitor
to be there.
Click here for more information.
Q:
When will I find out the results?
A: You won't
find out at the time of the scan. The results of your MRI scan
will be faxed and/or mailed directly to your doctor, normally
within 48 hours. In turn, your doctor will explain them to
you. Radiographers are not qualified to interpret MRI scan,
so please don't ask them for their opinions.
