MRI Information Sheet.

Your doctor has asked us to carry out an MRI scan on you.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
The MRI scanner is a sophisticated machine attached to a computer.
The pictures taken can be looked at individually or formed into  three-dimensional images.

Preparation - VERY IMPORTANT
The machine is an extremely powerful magnet which means we must follow certain safety guidelines.
Please let us know immediately if any of the following apply to you:

1. You have a cardiac pacemaker.
2. You have a heart valve.
3. You have ever had surgery on your head.
4. You have any metallic implants.
5. If it is possible you have ever had metal fragments in your eyes e.g. from welding, metalwork etc.
6. You may be pregnant or breast feeding.

Please remove all jewellery, including body piercings, before attending for your scan.
Wedding rings can be left on.

Important: If you are attending for an MRI scan and need to bring young children to the appointment with you, please make sure you are accompanied by another adult who can look after them.

Proceedure

You will be asked to lie on the scanner table, your position will vary depending on the area being scanned.
You will be made as comfortable as possible before we begin and once we are ready to start you will be moved into the scanner.

Each set of pictures will take around four minutes to acquire and during this time the scanner will make a knocking noise.
You must remain very still throughout the scan.
For most examinations we take between three and five sets of pictures, consequently scan times vary in length between 15 and 30 minutes, however some scans may take even longer.

For some scans you may need to be given an injection in the arm.
This is a contrast agent (dye) which helps to show up certain areas more clearly.

Before your scan you might be asked to undress and put on a gown.
The hospital does provide dressing gowns but you may bring your own if you wish.
As there are no x-rays used in this examination a friend or relative may be able to stay in the room with you during the scan.

The results will be sent to your referring clinician.

On Arrival

Please use Hospital entrance no. 2.
There is a pay on foot car park.
Disabled parking bays are available for the registered disabled near the main outpatients entrance.

Once inside turn left and proceed through the double doors, turn right down the corridor following the signs for MRI.

Wheelchairs are available just inside the entrance on the ground floor.
On reaching the department you will be asked to confirm your name and date of birth.
You will then be asked to sit in the waiting area.

This area is used for more than just MRI so please do not be concerned if there appears to be a lot of people waiting or they get called before you.
We endeavour to take you in on time, but sometimes delays can occur due to emergencies.
We will do our best to keep you informed.

To make your appointment or if you are unable to keep your scan time, please contact the appointments desk.

In line with trust policy, no further appointment will be offered if you fail to attend a booked appointment.  
In this instance you will need to return to your referring doctor.

Try not to worry about your scan, but if you do have any questions or concerns please contact the MRI department.

Confidentiality

The Radiologists, Radiographers and Nurses in the department are govened by strict rules of confidentiality.
This also applies to all the clerical and voluntary staff in the department.
This means that no one will discuss your details except as part of your examination and treatment.