FAQs

To help make your visit as straightforward as possible, we have created the following MRI frequently asked questions section:

If you have any additional questions, or have any concerns, you can contact the doctor who referred you for the test/procedure, or you can ask the Radiographer when you arrive for the scan.

If you cannot make your appointment or you have any questions, please contact the MRI Department. Our telephone number is 0114 226 8000.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses a very strong magnet to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

Why do I need an MRI scan?

MRI can take pictures of almost all parts of the body and is used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions. Your doctor should have discussed with you their reason for wanting a scan. If you are still unsure as to why the scan is necessary, please speak to the doctor who referred you.

Is MRI safe?

MRI does not use any X-rays and there are no known harmful side effects. The magnet used in MRI is very powerful so it can have an effect on metal, or electronically / magnetically activated implants.

We routinely ask anyone going into the examination room a series of questions to ensure they have no metal in their body that could be affected. As the magnet cannot be switched off it is important that we check these details first.

What do I have to do before my scan?

You should have been sent a questionnaire with your appointment letter. Please fill this in carefully. If you are unsure how to answer any of the questions, please call us to ask for clarification.

If you answer 'yes’ to any of the questions printed in red you should call the Radiology Call Centre on 0114 226 8000. This will allow us to deal with any potential problems before you arrive for your scan. If you have answered 'yes' to any questions and do not contact us, it may be necessary to cancel or postpone your appointment.

Although lockers are provided, we advise you to leave any jewellery and valuables at home as it will not be possible to take them into the room with you. You may also find it easier to attend wearing clothes that have no metal on them.

What will happen when I arrive?

A member of staff will check the questionnaire with you, so please remember to bring it with you. You will then be asked to remove any metal such as jewellery (except wedding rings), coins, keys, credit cards, hair grips etc. Depending on the part of your body that we are scanning, you may also be asked to remove any clothing that contains metal, such as zips and bra straps. We will give you a gown to put on and a locker in which to put your belongings. You will then be asked to take a seat until the radiographer is ready for you.

What happens during the scan?

You will be asked to lie on a couch and the radiographer will make you comfortable. A light will be used so that you can be accurately positioned in the magnet. The magnet is like a large 'doughnut'. You need to stay very still throughout the whole scan. During the scan you will hear a lot of loud repetitive noises, this is normal. To help reduce the noise you will be given some earplugs or headphones. For some examinations you may be able to have music playing through the headphones.
On rare occasions we have patients who report a feeling of warmth whilst in the scanner. If this happens it is nothing to worry about, if you have any concerns, you will be able to speak to the Radiographer. All patients are given a call buzzer which can be used to alert the radiographers to any issues that you may be experiencing in the scanner, or if you have any worries or concerns.

How long will it take?

Every MRI examination is tailored for a specific patient. It is therefore very difficult to say exactly how long each one will take. On average a scan of the head will take approximately 15-20 minutes and other areas of the body will take approximately half an hour. However, some examinations can take up to an hour. If you are having more than one body part scanned, you need to add the times together.

For example, a scan of the head and neck will take approximately 45 minutes. We try very hard to keep to appointment times but sometimes emergencies are given priority, or one patient will take longer to scan than we anticipated.

Will I need to have an injection?

We sometimes need to give an injection to show more detail on the scan. The liquid we inject is called a contrast agent. It is usually given through a small needle placed into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. This will be discussed with you at the time, if it is necessary.

What happens if I am pregnant?

MRI does not use X-rays and there is no evidence that it causes any harm to the unborn baby. However, we prefer to adopt a cautionary approach where possible. If your scan is not urgent, we will wait until after your baby has been born. If the MRI is considered important, we will go ahead with the scan whilst you are pregnant. The decision will be made by your doctor. If you think that you may be pregnant, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss it with your doctor before your appointment.

What if I need to change my appointment/or can’t attend at the specified time?
It is important that you let us know if you need to change your appointment or if you can’t make the appointment you have been given.This will enable us to arrange a more suitable appointment for you, but also it will mean that the appointment is not wasted and can be offered to someone else.

Please contact the call centre on 01142268000

What happens next?

After the examination is finished you will be shown back to the changing cubicle where you can get dressed and collect your belongings. You are then free to leave. You will not get any results on the day of your examination as the images need to be interpreted by the Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading MRI scans).

Occasionally, the Radiologist will request further information. If this happens you may receive a telephone call or a letter asking you to come back for another scan.

Once the results are ready, they will be sent back to the doctor who requested the scan. You will be given the results at your next clinic appointment.