MRI Scan

What is an MRI Scan?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a sophisticated, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that creates exceptionally detailed images of the inside of the body. It achieves this using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, rather than radiation. This advanced technology allows our specialists to examine organs, tissues, and structures with remarkable clarity, helping diagnose conditions that might not be visible with other imaging methods.

A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that MRI was more than twice as sensitive as mammography (79% vs 33%) and had better overall diagnostic accuracy. However, despite their popularity, according to the BMA, the UK has fewer MRI scanners per million people than the EU, which can lead to longer waiting times.

At LivingCare, we offer cutting-edge 3T MRI scanning at both our clinics in Sheffield and Leeds, so you can access exceptional imaging services when you need them most.

How an MRI Scan Works

MRI technology uses powerful magnets to align hydrogen atoms in your body's water molecules. When radiofrequency pulses are directed at these aligned atoms, they produce signals that are captured by sensitive receivers and processed by sophisticated computers to create remarkably detailed cross-sectional images.

This advanced process allows our radiologists to:

1. Visualise soft tissues with unprecedented clarity
2. Distinguish between normal and abnormal tissue
3. Examine blood flow and organ function
4. Create detailed 3D reconstructions of internal structures
5. Detect subtle changes that might indicate early disease

Unlike X-ray or CT scans, MRI doesn't use ionising radiation, making it particularly valuable for patients who need repeated imaging or have radiation sensitivity concerns.

What is an MRI Scan Used For?

MRI scans provide invaluable insights into a wide range of health conditions, including:

1. Neurological assessment: Evaluating brain conditions, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and stroke
2. Musculoskeletal examination: Diagnosing sports injuries, joint disorders, and soft tissue damage
3. Cancer detection and staging: Identifying tumours and monitoring treatment response
4. Cardiovascular evaluation: Assessing heart structure, function, and blood flow
5. Abdominal and pelvic imaging: Examining organs such as the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs
6. Specialised urological imaging: Detecting conditions such as prostate cancer with exceptional accuracy

The versatility and precision of MRI make it an essential diagnostic tool for complex or challenging cases where detailed imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What's a 3T Scanner?

3T MRI represents the most powerful magnetic resonance scanning technology clinically available today. The "3T" refers to the magnetic field strength (3 Tesla). This means that Living Care’s MRI Scanners are twice as powerful as conventional 1.5T systems. This increased power delivers exceptional image clarity and detail that improves diagnostic confidence and means less time in the scanner for patients.

These advantages make our 3T MRI scanners particularly effective for detecting subtle abnormalities and providing definitive diagnoses.

What to Expect When Receiving an MRI Scan in Sheffield or Leeds

Before Your Appointment

Preparing for your MRI scan is straightforward. You'll complete a comprehensive health questionnaire that helps our team identify any contraindications or precautions. This includes information about implanted medical devices, previous surgeries, and any metallic implants like pacemakers or artificial joints.

For your comfort and safety:

1. Remove all jewellery, watches, hearing aids, and removable dental work
2. Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing (or change into a hospital gown)
3. Inform our team about any medications you're taking
4. Let us know if you have claustrophobia or anxiety concerns
5. Follow specific instructions if contrast dye is required (such as fasting)

Our team will explain every step of the procedure and answer any questions you may have before beginning.

During Your Appointment

When you arrive for your MRI, our experienced radiographer will:

1. Position you comfortably on the movable examination table
2. Provide you with earplugs or headphones (the scanner produces rhythmic knocking sounds)
3. Ensure you have an emergency call button to communicate during the scan
4. Slide the table into the cylindrical MRI scanner

The scanner surrounds the body part being examined, while the radiographer operates the machine from a separate room, maintaining constant communication via an intercom. Although the procedure is completely painless, the enclosed space and machine noise can be challenging for some patients. You'll find our team understand how to help patients with claustrophobia, offering various comfort measures and sedation options if needed.

The scan typically takes 15-90 minutes, depending on the examined area and whether contrast dye is used.

After Your Appointment

Once your scan is complete, you can immediately resume normal activities if no sedation was used. If sedation was used, you'll need someone to accompany you home and should avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.

Our consultant radiologist will analyse your images and prepare a comprehensive report. If it's urgent, preliminary results may be available the same day, with comprehensive reports typically completed within 24-48 hours.

Risks and Complications of an MRI Scan

There are no known long-term side effects from an MRI scan. In fact, it's one of the safest medical imaging procedures. Even so, you should be aware of a few details:

Metal Sensitivity: The powerful magnets can affect metal, so patients with certain metallic implants, pacemakers, or similar medical devices may not be right for an MRI. Our screening and questionnaire at the start of the process will pinpoint any concerns.

Claustrophobia: The enclosed scanner can trigger anxiety in some patients. We offer various options to help manage this, including open-bore scanner designs that reduce the confined feeling, sedatives to help anxious patients relax, and constant communication throughout the procedure.

Contrast Agent Reactions: Contrast dyes used in some MRI scans can occasionally cause mild allergic reactions (affecting less than 1% of patients). These typically resolve quickly, including temporary nausea or headache, brief dizziness, mild skin rash or itching.

Serious reactions are extremely rare (less than 1 in 10,000 cases).

Our experienced team carefully assesses your medical history and monitors you throughout the procedure to minimise any potential risks.

How to Recover Following an MRI Scan

Recovery from an MRI scan is generally immediate and straightforward. If sedation was required, you should rest for the remainder of the day and have someone stay with you for 24 hours. If contrast dye was used, drinking extra water helps flush it from your system.

 Our team will arrange for you to discuss your results with the appropriate specialist.

References

British Institute of Radiology

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

NHS MRI Scanning