Can pregnant women have MR scans?
It is advisable not to scan pregnant women. Although there are no known effects, it is best not to take any unnecessary chances. However, in certain critical cases, it may be necessary to be scanned during pregnancy when a more invasive diagnostic test would otherwise have to be performed.
Any other Questions?
If you have any questions or problems regarding the MRI scan please telephone : (0191) 3332493
What do I do if I need an ambulance?
If you require an ambulance please contact your G.P’s surgery to arrange it.
Car Parking
Car parking charges are in operation at this hospital. A limited number of parking spaces for the disabled are available and are clearly marked. It is extremely important that you attend promptly for your appointment. Please allow plenty of time for parking. Failure to attend on time may result in a cancelled examination.
N.B. if you have difficulty walking, and you are arriving by car, you may be dropped off outside the main entrance of the hospital.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU BRING YOUR APPOINTMENT LETTER WITH YOU.
As part of a shared service agreement with other NHS organisations {in the area}, your radiology images and records may be shared with these other organisations as part of determining and providing your care. If you would like to know more about the extent of this sharing, or you wish us not to share at all with another organisation, or have any other concerns about it, please contact a member of staff.’
X-Ray Department
University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
Telephone (0191) 3332943
Patient Information
(MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Your doctor has requested that you have an MRI scan. This guide will help to explain the procedure to you and answer the questions most frequently asked by patients.
What does MRI stand for?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It offers a safe and efficient method for medical diagnosis of many conditions, without the use of x-rays.
What does the machine look like?
The equipment may look intimidating but there is no need to be nervous. The MR scanner is a large well-lit tunnel, which is open at both ends. The tunnel remains OPEN and you are NEVER totally enclosed. You will normally lie flat on your back and be moved into the tunnel on a sliding couch. The part of your body, which is to be scanned, will be in the centre of the tunnel. Some scans require you to be placed head first into the tunnel and others feet first.
How does it work?
MRI is safe and has no known side effects. It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to form an image of your body.
How long will the scan take?
The length of the scan depends upon the part of the body being imaged and the information your doctor needs. The scanning time usually ranges from 30-40 minutes. However, there are some scans, which will only last 15 minutes.
Will I receive an injection?
Sometimes it is necessary, in order to highlight parts of the body, for you to have a small injection into a vein in your arm and some of the scans will then be repeated. You will feel no ill effects from the injection. It does not make you feel sleepy. It will not prevent you from driving.
What preparation is required before my MRI scan?
For most MRI studies, there is no special preparation. If your examination requires any special preparation a leaflet will be enclosed. Otherwise, patients may eat and drink normally and any medication prescribed by your doctor should be taken as usual unless otherwise instructed. For your own comfort and safety wear clothes without any zip fasteners or metal clips etc. If this is a problem do not worry, as you will be given a hospital gown to change into on arrival at the MR suite. Eye make-up should be removed as it may cause slight irritation to the eyes and may interfere with our images. If you are pregnant please contact the MRI department.
Claustrophobia
If you suffer from claustrophobia and think you may not manage the scan please contact the MRI department for advice.
What happens when I arrive at the MRI department?
Please report to the reception area in the x-ray department where you will be directed to the MRI waiting room. A radiographer/ radiographic assistant will call your name and take you to a more private area. The radiographer will explain the procedure to you and ask you some special questions about any previous operations or injuries and if you have any metal in your body.
You will be asked to remove any metallic objects, such as jewellery (except rings), watches, glasses, hairpins, keys, credit cards etc. as well as wigs (if they have metal clips) and non permanent dentures (if they have metal parts). Your clothes and personal belongings will be placed in a locker. However, if possible, PLEASE LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME.
The University Hospital of North Durham does not accept responsibility for loss of any clothing, money, valuables or personal possessions belonging to staff or members of the public.
What happens next?
You will be escorted into the scanning room and asked to lie on the scanning couch. You will be made as comfortable as possible and offered some headphones so you can listen to some music or foam earplugs to help reduce the noise of the scanner. You will also be given a small air filled rubber bulb to hold which when squeezed alerts the radiographer that you need to speak to her/him. The couch will then slide into the magnet until the part of your body being scanned is in the middle of the tunnel. Try and relax and keep very still throughout the scan.
When the scan begins you will hear some peculiar noises such as a rapid repetitive knocking noise rather like a pneumatic drill. This is quite normal. The knocking noise will last for several minutes then there will be a pause whilst the next set of scans are set up and the noise will begin again. The noise tells you that the information is being collected. It is very important that you keep as still as possible during this time.
The radiographer will be in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom system. At the end of the examination you will be shown back to the waiting room and your personal belongings will be returned to you.
Will I feel anything?
MRI is entirely painless and you will not feel any discomfort during or after the scan. You may feel a slight vibration but you won’t feel anything unpleasant. You should experience no after affects at all.
How do I get my results?
The results of your scan will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. If you are in any doubt which doctor referred you for the MRI scan please ask the radiographer.
Is there anyone who cannot have an MRI scan?
YES! Some things are affected by the magnet. If you have any of the following please contact the MRI department for advice:
CARDIAC PACEMAKER, HEART VALVE, SURGICAL CLIPS, SPINAL STIMULATORS, COCHLEAR IMPLANT, METALLIC FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYE OR BODY, ANY POSSIBILITY OF BEING PREGNANT.
Joint replacements and dental fillings do not normally prevent you from having a scan.