MRI Scans

 

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a type of scan that produces a detailed picture of the tissue and organs inside of your body, using strong magnetic fields and radio waves.  An MRI scan is a safe and painless procedure which captures high-quality images of inside the body. An MRI is commonly used by doctors to help figure out what is causing your illness or pain.

 

An MRI scan provides precise information about the structure of the joints, soft tissue and bones in the body and important information on the organs and glands within the abdomen. 

 


During an MRI Scan

 

During an MRI scan, the patient should lie down on a table that slides through a large tunnel. A strong magnetic field created by powerful magnets inside the tunnel allow the doctors to see inside your body, previously only possible through surgery.

 

Before having an MRI scan, you should tell your doctor if you have metal in your body (such as a pacemaker, metal implants or chips) or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 


Is Anaesthetic Necessary?

An MRI scan is a painless procedure so anaesthetic is not usually necessary.  If you suffer from claustrophobia, you can request a sedative from your GP to help you relax. If a sedative is used during your scan, you will need to arrange for transport home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours following the procedure.

 


The Scanning Process

Before undertaking the scan, the radiographer will take some information from you and ask you to lie on a bed that will be moved into the scanner.  A computer operates the MRI scanner located in an adjacent room where the radiographer can see the scans and speak to you through an intercom system.  The MRI scanner can make loud, repetitive clicking noises that may last for several minutes during the procedure, this is perfectly normal and you will be given headphones to help cancel it out.

 

In some cases, contrast dye is injected, making tissues and blood vessels show in greater detail, increasing the accuracy of the images.

 

The length of time the scan will take depends on the part of the body being scanned. Generally, scans take anywhere between 15-90 minutes to perform.

 


Following an MRI Scan

It is rare that you will experience side effects and complications caused by the MRI scan and you will generally be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately (providing you did not receive a sedative).

 

You may be asked to make a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the results after the scan. 

 


Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in for an MRI scan, usually within 48 hours.  MRI scans are available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

 

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your MRI Scans treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

  • Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
  • Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
  • Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
  • Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
  • Little or no waiting time
  • ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
  • Freshly prepared food
  • Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.

Contact the Hospital About MRI Scans

Choose a Hospital

One Ashford

01233 423 000

One Ashford, Kennington Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0YS

One Ashford Hospital
One Hatfield

01707 443 459

One Hatfield Hospital, Hatfield Ave, Hatfield, AL10 9UA

One Hatfield Hospital