Preparing For Your MRI

There are usually no special requirements you need to know about in advance of your scan. Only very few patients will be asked to fast prior to their examination and if this is relevant to your scan, you will be informed in advance. Therefore, unless you have been told otherwise, you may eat and drink as normal. If you are on any medication, you should continue to take it. You should attend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to lay down in, or easy to remove in case you need to change into a hospital gown. You will be asked to remove your jewellery and other metal objects so we advise that you wear as little jewellery as possible and leave any valuables at home. You must let us know in advance of your scan (by telephoning 0207 886 7605) if you:

• have a cardiac pacemaker.

• have ever had metal fragments go into your eyes or body.

• have a prothesis, metal implant or aneurysm clip.

• suffer from claustrophobia.

• could be pregnant or are breast-feeding.

• weigh more than 120kg (19 stone).

• have ever suffered from renal (kidney) problems of any kind.

On the day

When you arrive at the MR Therapy Centre, you will be asked to provide your medical insurance details (or other payment) and to complete a safety checklist about your medical history. One of our senior radiographers will meet with you to explain your MRI scan and to go through the checklist with you. You will be directed to a changing facility where you will be asked to remove all jewellery, hearing aids, credit cards, watches, mobile phones and other objects that cannot be taken into the scanning room. These will be safely locked away for the duration of your scan.

During the scan

The radiographer will direct you to the MRI scanning room where you will be positioned on the patient bed and made comfortable. A special coil will be placed around the body area being scanned. Most commonly you will be positioned lying on your back. The area to be scanned will be in the middle area of the scanner. As the MRI machine is very loud, you will be provided with ear plugs to wear throughout your scan. The radiographers will communicate with you from another room during your scan. At all times they will be able to hear you if you want to speak to them. You will also be given a panic alarm which you can activate if you wish to stop the scan at anytime. It may be necessary to give you an injection of MRI contrast, a special dye, during your scan. If this is relevant, the radiographers will advise you about this.

After the scan

You will be sent a copy of your MRI on CD at home. If you prefer to take one away with you, then please let our receptionist know. The MRI scan will be viewed by a Consultant Radiologist who will generate a written report for your referring clinician within 48 hours. You should advise your referring clinician that you have had the scan and if necessary, book a follow-up appointment.