Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The majority of patients can. However, please note that the MRI Scan has strong magnetic field….

For example, if you have a cardiac pacemaker, you should not have an MRI. 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 problems:

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 Devices/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 applies to you, please ensure that you make the staff at the Centre aware well in advance. Our administrative staff will ask you these questions when they schedule your appointment, so if you have any queries please mention them at this point. You should also inform the doctor who is referring you for the scan, as they should be in a position 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 the decision to go ahead will be made by our clinical staff. On arrival at the MRI Centre you will be asked to complete an MRI Safety Questionnaire which will cover all of the above. Please note that anyone accompanying the patient into the MRI scanning room is subject to the same issues and will also have to complete a Safety Questionnaire first.

The first step is to be certain that it is safe for you to have an MRI scan. If you are not certain, please contact our team.

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.

There is no pain associated with having an MRI scan. Unlike many other MRI scanners, ours are comfortable and non-claustrophobic. They are also much quieter than ‘tunnel’ MRI scanners, although they will generate some noise whilst you are having your scan.

All of our scanners are fully open and very patient friendly. There are no tunnels or tubes to go into. Our scanners are comfortable, non-claustrophobic and you can even watch television during your scan. We specialize in scanning claustrophobic patients, and our staff will do their utmost to make you feel at ease. You are welcome to visit the centre by prior arrangement to see the scanner if you wish.

Open systems are of a lower Tesla power due to their open nature.  This means whilst the scans are not always as resolute or detailed as the traditional tunnel bore scans, they are still diagnostic.

Prices vary according to the clinic’s location and the number of body parts to be scanned. However, our prices are affordable, and when you consider the fast access to appointments, then it is well worth the money for peace of mind.  The sooner that you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can get the relevant treatment.

The diagnosis is always included in the price and your report will be completed by a specialist consultant radiologist, and returned to your referrer or GP within 3 working days from your scan time.

We will clearly explain the costs with you prior to booking your appointment.

We are approved by most private medical insurance companies. 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. Please note that insurance will not cover the cost of a self referral.

If you cancel your scan with less than 48 hours’ notice we may charge a cancellation fee of £275.00. If you cancel your scan with less than 24 hours’ notice we may charge the cost of the scan.

There is no need for you to be referred to us by a GP or medical consultant. You can easily refer yourself for an MRI scan by completing our online form. Simply tell us about the reason you want the scan, the part of the body that you want scanned and answer some safety questions. Once received, we will then review and contact you directly to discuss and book your appointment.

Depending on the type of scan your doctor has requested, the radiographer may position a “pad” or “coil” around the region of your body that is to be scanned. This helps to intensify the quality of the images. 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 comfortable, the radiographer will start the scan.

At that point, all you have to do is be absolutely still, as you would in a normal photograph, until the MRI scan is over – the stiller the better. The reason you have to sit still is that movement blurs the MRI images. Depending on what your doctor ordered and the area being scanned, the procedure will take between 30 and 120 minutes, made up of a number of different scan sequences. Each sequence takes a few minutes – the radiographer will be able to tell you how long it should take, and you will be able to move between sequences. 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 much quieter than ‘tunnel’ MRI scanners which can be very noisy, but we are happy to supply earplugs if required.

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. It is common for a parent to stay with a child. In fact, we encourage it.

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, a single part scan takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

If you attend your appointment with another adult who is able to supervise your children, yes. We are not able to supervise children ourselves, so if you attend your appointment with your children but without another adult who is able to supervise them, we will not be able to proceed with your appointment and you will have to reschedule your scan.

Yes. The MRI has no known physiological side effects. However, if you have taken a sedative, there may be some restrictions.

In certain situations, it may be necessary to inject you with a contrast agent in order for a proper diagnosis to be made. The consultant radiologist will make that decision, and you will be informed prior to your appointment. 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, and 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.

Unfortunately, we are not able to scan patients who are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, please do check before attending the centre.

Yes. Since our MRI scanners are open, there is ample space for someone to accompany you into the scanner room. The person accompanying the patient will be exposed to the scanner’s magnetic field just like the patient, so please make sure that your accompanying person has filled out a safety questionnaire and is safe to sit in the scanning room.

You won’t find out at the time of the scan. The results of your MRI scan will be sent 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.