Appointments
The James Cook University Hospital
Friarage Hospital:
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a way of “seeing” inside of the body. Unlike X-rays and CT (Computerised Tomography) scans, MRI scans do not use radiation.
MRI has been shown to be extremely safe, as long as proper safety precautions are taken. In general, the MRI procedure is painless, and causes no known short-term or long-term tissue damage of any kind.
The radiographer was a credit to his profession. He could see I was anxious and helped to make the experience a little easier. He was kind and professional and had a lovely reassuring manner.
MRI Patient JCUH
What does the machine look like?
The equipment may look intimidating but there is no need to be nervous. The MRI scanner looks like a large, elongated polo mint, which is well lit and open at both ends.
Some scans require you to be placed headfirst in the scanner and others feet first. This is dependent on which part of the body we are scanning.
You will be given headphones to wear as the scanner is very loud
Claustrophobia:
The scanner is a short tunnel, so if you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) please let us know before you come for your scan. Many patients worry about this aspect of the scan but find that it isn’t as bad as they had imagined or been told. If necessary, somebody may stay with you in the scan room during your scan if they are also safe to enter the room.
The radiographer will ask you to lie on the scanner bed and position you correctly. Every effort will be made to make you comfortable as you will need to keep very still during the scan to avoid blurring the pictures.
Safety
It is vital that you remove metallic objects before an MRI exam, including watches, jewellery, and items of clothing that have metallic threads, underwires or fasteners.
It would be best to leave watches, jewellery or anything made from metal at home if possible.
You will also need to remove any bank cards and electrical items from your person such as mobile phones as the scanner will interfere with them and stop them from working.
You may prefer to arrive for your scan in clothes which do not contain metal. It will not be a problem if you need to get changed, we provide scrubs to change into if required.
Items that need to be removed before entering the MRI scan room include:
Purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards, cards with magnetic strips
Electronic devices such as mobile phones
Hearing aids
Metal jewellery, watches
Pens, paper clips, keys, coins
Hair clips, hair grips
Any article of clothing that has a metal zip, buttons, press studs, hooks, underwires, or metal threads
Shoes, belt buckles, safety pin
Please do not wear mascara if you are having a scan of your head or eyes.
You can leave these and other valuables in the lockers provided
When you arrive a member of staff will complete a safety checklist with you to make sure that you can be scanned and will answer any questions that you may have. (see checklist) You may have already been sent this checklist with your appointment letter; please complete it and bring it with you for your appointment and a radiographer will go through it with you before your scan.
It is important to inform the MRI radiographer if any of the following apply to you:
- Pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Neurostimulator
- Aneurysm clip
- Gastric band
- Metal implant
- Implanted drug infusion device
- Foreign metal objects, especially if in or near the eye
- Shrapnel or bullet wounds
- Permanent cosmetics or tattoos
- Dentures/teeth with magnetic keepers
- Other implants that involve magnets
- Medication patch (i.e., transdermal patch)
- If you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant
Check with the MRI radiographer if you have questions or concerns about any implanted object or health condition that could impact the MRI procedure.