Contact us if you have any questions about having an open MRI get in touch by filling in the contact form, or ringing us on 0191 281 2636
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MRI is a painless and harmless way of looking inside your body without using radiation (X-rays). It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to scan the body and produce detailed pictures. Your body is made up of small particles called atoms. Hydrogen atoms make up around 95% of body mass and are a major component of water. When you are under the scanner all the atoms line up facing the same direction. When the radio wave is switched on this causes the atoms to spin in different directions and give off a signal. The computer collates the signal and a detailed image of the body is formed.
You can wear your own clothes but may be asked to change into a gown as zips and clips in clothing may interfere with the images. All watches, mobile phones and credit cards must be removed before entering the scanning room as they could be damaged by the magnetic field. All metallic objects such as hairclips, hearing aids and jewellery (except wedding bands) will need to be removed. For scans of your head or neck please use little or no make up. There is no need to stop medication for the scan and you can eat and drink as normal, unless otherwise instructed by us.
Prior to entering the scan room one of our MRI team will go through yours and any chaperones safety questionnaire (available on our referrals page) to ensure you are safe to go in the scanner. You will then be taken into the scan room and be positioned comfortably on the table. Chaperones can sit next to you throughout the scan to provide reassurance.
It is not possible to have an MRI scan on the clinic open scanner if patients have certain contraindications including:
- A heart pacemaker
- Certain metallic heart valves
- Surgical aneurysm clips
- Metallic fragments in / around your eyes
Please get in touch if you have an queries regarding implants
You will need to lie still on a comfortable table under the magnet. The scanner will make a repetitive knocking sound. The Open scanner is a lot less noisy than the traditional closed scanner. You are in contact with the radiographer throughout the scan which takes approximately 20 -30 minutes. You can bring a CD to listen to during the scan.
For certain MRI examinations, such as lumbar spine and abdomen scans, we need to know your abdomen depth to ensure the equipment we use to obtain images in the scanner will fit comfortably.
In order to measure your abdomen depth it would be advisable if someone was available to help you to do this. To obtain a fairly accurate measurement it is easier if you lie on your back on the floor or a firm surface. The person measuring your abdomen depth can then place a rigid ruler or tape measure at your side and measure from the floor/firm surface straight upwards in line with the top of your tummy (please see photograph).
You can use your hand, resting on your tummy to help obtain this measurement.
The space is 38cm / 15″ from top to bottom. For scans of the Lumbar spine, Abdomen or Pelvis, this space is 30cm / 12″ with a circumference of 150cm / 59″ (or 37cm / 14″ with a circumference under 125cm / 49″)
Our table weight limit is 35 stone / 220kg
The results of the scan will be sent directly to the referring clinician within 7-10 working days from the time of your scan. Please be aware reports will not be shared with individual patients. Imaging can be transferred via the secure hospital Image exchange portal following your scan.
Please call our reception desk on 0191 281 2636 and we will be able to give you any extra information that you require.