Adults having an MRI scan

What is an MRI?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a procedure which builds up pictures of the part of the body under investigation. This happens by using a magnetic field and radio waves, together with an advanced computer system. A series of images are built up, each one showing a thin slice of the area being examined. These images are very detailed and show both bones and soft tissues in the body giving us a great deal of information. Using the computer, the ‘slices’ can be looked at from any angle.

Are there any risks?

As far as we know, this is a very safe procedure. It does not involve the use of X-rays, but even so, MRI scans are not suitable for everyone. Radiographers have to be certain that you meet the safety standards before entering the MRI scan room. You will be sent a safety questionnaire to complete with your appointment letter. Please fill this in and send it in to the address given on your appointment letter as soon as possible. There are no known risks of having an MRI scan if you meet the safety standards.

For female patients; MRI scans may not be advisable in early pregnancy, unless there are special circumstances.

If you are or might be pregnant, please make sure the doctor referring you or a member of staff in the Radiology Department knows as soon as possible before your MRI.

If you are breast feeding, please telephone the number on your appointment letter.

Do I need to make any special preparations?

Usually, you do not need to make any special preparations for an MRI scan. You can eat and drink normally before and after the scan, unless you are advised not to.

It is advisable to leave any valuables at home and to arrive as metal free as possible for example no jewellery other than your wedding ring, belts with metal buckles etc.

Can I bring a relative/friend?

Yes, but for reasons of safety, they will be asked to stay in the waiting room. Only in special circumstances, will they be allowed to go with you into the scanning room.

What happens when I arrive?

A member of staff will explain about the particular scan you are having. You will be shown to a private cubicle where you may be asked to take off your outer garments and remove any jewellery (except your wedding ring). You will also be asked to remove any cash, keys, credit cards, belts and watches from your pockets.

You may be asked to put on a hospital gown but if you prefer, you can bring your own dressing gown. You should place your clothes and personal belongings in the locker provided.

Who will I see?

You will be cared for by a small team including a radiology assistant and a radiographer who will carry out the MRI scan.

What happens during the MRI?

You will be taken into the MRI scanning room and made comfortable on the couch; this involves lying flat. You will need to keep as still as possible so that we do not get any blurry images.

A coil/camera may be placed around the area of interest to receive information from you to build the image.

You may be given a contrast medium (dye) which helps to produce a more detailed image and improves the accuracy of the scan. The contrast medium would be injected into a vein via a cannula (thin tube) inserted into your arm.

Will the scan be uncomfortable?

During the scan, the machine will make a noise and vibrate slightly. The scanner is open at both ends. Most patients do not mind lying still while inside the scanner but if this worries you, please contact the Imaging/Radiology Department as soon as possible before your appointment. You will find the telephone number at the top of your appointment letter.

How long will the scan take?

The process of taking the images usually takes about

10 to 45 minutes, unless you are delayed, for example, by emergency patients. Your total time in the department is likely to be about 60 minutes.

Are there side effects?

There are no side effects from an MRI. You can drive home afterwards and resume your normal activities.

Risks from the contrast medium (dye)

We will ask you some detailed questions before giving you contrast medium during your scan. Sometimes we advise you to have the contrast medium to make a diagnosis easier and to prevent you from needing to return for further images.

The contrast medium we use (Clariscan™ or Dotarem®) is generally very safe. Side effects or reactions are uncommon, but can occur. The most common side effects of headache, nausea and dizziness occur in a small number of patients and will occur within minutes of the injection.

Less often, in approximately 1 in every 1000 patients, an itchy skin rash might appear a few minutes after the injection is given. This mild allergy usually settles down by itself within an hour or so.

Severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions to the contrast medium have occurred, but are extremely rare. Allergic reactions usually begin within several minutes of the injection being given, when a patient is most likely in the scanner or still in the radiology department or hospital.

You have the right to decline a contrast medium injection.

Medication given during the scan

Sometimes we will advise you to have a dose of Buscopan® which will help to prevent muscle spasm and movement during some body scans. We will check that it is safe for you to have this medication.

Buscopan® can give you a dry mouth and a faster heart rate but this only lasts for about 20 minutes.

You can decline Buscopan® should you wish to do so.

Can I eat and drink afterwards?

Yes, do so as normal. Please drink plenty of fluids if you have been given the contrast medium as it will help to flush the dye through your kidneys.

When will I get the results?

After the scan, the images will be studied by the radiologist, who will then write a report and send it to your referring doctor. This process normally takes up to 4 weeks.

What shall I do if I have a question?

If you have any questions about having the MRI scan, please contact the MRI appointments officer on the number shown on your appointment letter. Calls should be made between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Further information

If you would like to make a charitable donation towards Radiology to support state-of-the-art equipment, improvements to the environment and staff support please visit Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.