MRI Scan

What is an MRI Scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses simple radio frequency pulses in conjunction with a very powerful magnet to produce detailed, computerised sectional images of various parts of the body. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography(also called CT or CAT scanning).

The following information will tell you a little about what to expect from your scan.

Safety

MRI has been in use for over 20 years. There are however certain people who we cannot scan for safety reasons. If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you MUST telephone us on 01564 732150 or 07967 195637 prior to attending for your appointment.

If you have:

• A pacemaker or artificial heart valve,
• Any surgical clips, or cochlear implants
• Any recent operations on your head, heart or spine
• Any metal fragments in their eyes,
• Any other metal implants in your body

If you have ever had metal in your eye, we will need to arrange for you to have an X- ray before your scan. We also try to avoid scanning patients during the early stages of pregnancy.

Preparation

There are basic changing facilities but it would be helpful if you could wear something comfortable without metal clips or zips. This will save you having to get changed for the scan.

Please inform us in advance if you have any special requirements such as wheelchair access or if you are hard of hearing.

When you arrive

We will ask you to complete a safety questionnaire which will be checked by the radiographer who will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.

You will be asked to remove all metallic objects, credit cards, jewellery, spectacles and possibly make-up (mascara contains iron!). We have lockers for valuables.

You do not need to make any special preparations for the scan and may eat and drink normally unless you have been informed otherwise.

About the scan

The scan is quite painless. You will not feel anything during the scan and the best thing to do is to relax. You can eat and drink normally beforehand and should continue taking any medications as normal. You may be asked to remove some clothing; if this is the case a clinic gown will be provided.

Once you are ready for your scan, the radiographer will position you on the scanner couch and make you as comfortable as possible. Bolsters and straps may be used to help you to stay still and small devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.

The couch will then be moved to the appropriate position. You will be given ear plugs and/or ear defenders as you will hear loud rhythmic knocking sounds, this is normal. It is vital that you lie still for the scan - being comfortable from the outset will help. You will be given a buzzer to hold which you can use to summon attention and the radiographer can talk with you as the scan progresses.

The process involves a series of short, 3 to 5 minute scans, depending on the area to be scanned.

After the scan

Once the examination has finished you return to the waiting room. The radiographer will not be able to discuss the images with you. The scans we have obtained will be processed and interpreted by our Consultant Radiologist. If you would like to take a CD of your scans away with you, the processing will take around 30 minutes. A report will be sent to the clinician who sent you for the scan. These should usually be with them within four working days. You will realise that there may be delays which are outside our control.

At your review appointment you may ask to keep the scans for future follow up.

Payment

MRI scans are charged, for self funding patients, at £195.00 per area.   Patients are asked to settle their account when they attend. The clinic accepts most forms of payment except American Express, but makes a small administration charge for credit card transactions. Heath Lodge Clinic will directly invoice the insurance companies of those patients who have medical insurance, we will need the policy or membership number of the patient and an authorisation code prior to your scan.

Please click on the link below for more details:
Funding