Our scanners are very advanced, open at both ends and they flare out wide at the edges for maximum comfort. For scans below the waist your head and upper body will remain outside of our scanner.

In the MRI room you will be asked to lie on the scan bed and the Radiographer will make you comfortable. A receive coil may be placed around the area to be scanned. The Radiographer will stay with you as they move you into the centre of the magnet and ensure that you are happy before they begin to take your pictures.

Most one area scans take about 20 minutes. The Radiographer will tell you how long each set of pictures will take and you will need to keep still throughout the whole examination.

MRI is a completely harmless procedure, there is nothing to feel and nothing will touch you. As the pictures are taken the scanner is noisy and we will give you earmuffs/plugs to increase your comfort.

There are no effects so all normal activities may be undertaken (eg driving) after your scan.
 

Is There Any Reason Why I Cannot Be Scanned?

Because the scanner uses a magnetic field it is important we are aware of certain operations/procedures or implants. A member of staff will go through a screening questionnaire when making your appointment. You will be asked these questions again on arrival for your scan.

If you have a pacemaker, arterial/brain clips, cochlear implant or metallic foreign bodies in the eyes you cannot be scanned, but implants such as knee or hip replacements or dental-work are perfectly safe in the magnet, as are gold and silver rings such as your wedding band.

What If I’m Pregnant? There are currently no known hazards associated with MRI, although scanning is not carried out in the first

There are currently no known hazards associated with MRI, although scanning is not carried out in the first trimester of pregnancy unless clinically essential.

What If I’m Claustrophobic?

Patients suffering with claustrophobia may feel uncomfortable, but every consideration and provision will be made for individual needs and comfort.