MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This page provides information about MRI scans. It is intended for use by patients (or their families and carers) who have been referred to our service.
Contact details
MRI Department
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Herries Road
Sheffield, S5 7AU
Radiology Appointments: 0114 268 0000
Main Switchboard: 0114 243 4343
An MRI scan is an examination used to diagnose medical conditions, injuries, or diseases. Once the scan is complete, a radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report to your doctor, clinical nurse specialist, or Allied Health professional (e.g., Physiotherapist).
The scanner works by using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to interact with the hydrogen atoms naturally found in your body. A special coil, placed over the part of the body being examined, detects signals produced by these atoms. Because different tissues—such as fat, muscle, and bone—produce different signals, a computer is able to translate this information into detailed images.
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The 3 tesla Philips scanner with picture tiles
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An overview of the Siemens Sola wide bore scanner and room |
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A volunteer showing the special imaging coils used to create images of the chest and head on the 3 tesla Philips scanner
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One of the Northern General's scanners is a Siemens Aera wide bore, 1.5 tesla |
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Another view of one of the scanners at the Northern General |
Some of the lovely team working at Sheffield! |
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| Important: Please contact radiology prior to your scan if you:
Require hospital transport, hoist assistance or use a wheelchair Require an interpreter (please let us know what language you speak) Are currently pregnant (or think you might be) |
You must tell us if you have ever had any of the following implanted:
- Cardiac Pacemaker or cardiac device (loop recorder etc)
- Coronary (heart) stents
- Artificial Heart Valve
- Nerve stimulator within the brain (vagus/occipital)
- Deep brain stimulator
- Spinal column or sacral nerve stimulator
- Drug infusions pump (baclofen or others)
- Cochlear implant
- Programmable shunt
- Previous accidents involving penetrating metal injuries to your eyes or body
- Any operations in the last six weeks involving metallic implants
You may have been sent a Patient Screening form with your appointment letter. If not, or if you have lost it, please download it here.
Unless you have been directed otherwise you should eat or drink normally before and after your scan. Take medications as normal unless advised otherwise.
Specific Exceptions:
- MMRCP (Gall bladder examination): Fast for 4 hours prior to the exam.
- Cardiac Stress Perfusion MRI: No caffeine for 25 hours prior to the exam (including decaf, tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks or coffee based liquors). There are also specific medications to avoid for this scan.
Glucose Monitors: If you have a glucose monitor (i.e., Libre or Dexcom) or a medication skin/dermal patch, please be aware that these may need to be removed during the scan, so please bring a replacement with you.
Freestyle Libres can generally be left on during the scan but may give incorrect readings for up to an hour after the scan. It is therefore very important that you bring an alternative means of measuring your blood glucose i.e. conventional blood glucose meter.
Insulin pumps: Insulin pumps will need to be disconnected during the scan. If you use a disposable 'patch pump' please bring a replacement to apply after your scan, or an alternative means of giving insulin.
You should avoid wearing clothes that contain metal. Please bring suitable clothes to change into or we can provide you with a hospital gown.
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You can wear:
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You should NOT wear:
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We want you to be fully involved in decisions about your care. Before we carry out the scan, we are required by law to ask for your consent.
This simply means that you understand what the scan involves—including the benefits and risks—and that you agree to go ahead. Our staff will explain everything to you clearly before asking for your verbal permission. If you are unsure about anything, please do not hesitate to ask us to explain it again.
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. We will go through these with you fully before your scan begins. If your doctor has requested a scan using a special dye called contrast (gadolinium), there are a few additional risks to be aware of, including the possibility of an allergic reaction. We will discuss all of this with you in person.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, or think there is a chance you might be, please contact the Radiology department before your appointment. We take extra care during pregnancy. Your doctor and a specialist radiologist will discuss your specific case to decide if the scan is urgent or if it should be postponed.
You will be asked to lie flat on the scanner table. We will provide cushioning to protect your back or any other areas you feel require extra support. The radiographer will help you place single-use earplugs provided by the trust.
The radiographer will slowly move you into the scanner which is open at both ends. The scanner has strip lights along the length of it and a fan to make the scanner more comfortable. In some scanners, we have small mirrors which let you see out. Music can sometimes be played through the speakers or headphones.
What to expect:
Loud noise: The scanner makes loud tapping and banging noises. We will provide you with headphones/earplugs.
Physical sensations: You might feel twitching or 'pins and needles' in your arms or legs. This is caused by the magnets stimulating your peripheral nerves/muscles; it is temporary and normal. If it is uncomfortable or painful squeeze the buzzer to let us know and the scan will be adjusted.
Temperature: If your scan takes a long time you may start to feel slightly warm. The radiographers can adjust the airflow if required.
Staying in control: We will give you a patient call bell/buzzer to hold. You can press this at any time if you feel uncomfortable or wish to stop the scan.
Once your scan is complete you will be free to go home, or continue to attend any other appointments. A radiologist will review your scan and prepare a formal report. This report will be sent to your referring doctor.
Your medical team selected an MRI scan as the most appropriate test for you after considering all the risks and benefits. Alternatives such as CT scans or ultrasounds do exist, but they are not always suitable for every condition. If you wish to discuss these other options, please speak with your referring doctor or nurse before your appointment.
The decision to have this scan is entirely yours. If you decide not to go ahead it will not affect the standard of care you receive from us. However, without the MRI, your doctor may not have all the information they need to provide a precise diagnosis.
We have created specific information leaflets for many of the different types of MRI scans we perform. These leaflets provide detailed information about what to expect during that specific examination.
Common MRI Leaflets:
Looking for a different leaflet?
You can search the full Sheffield Teaching Hospitals patient information library for other MRI-related documents.
Search Sheffield Teaching Hospitals patient Information leaflets
We are located across the Northern General Hospital, Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Weston Park Hospital sites. Please verify which location you need to attend by checking your appointment letter.
For detailed information on maps, public transport, and parking at our hospitals, please visit our dedicated travel page:
