X-Ray Department
Information for Patients
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dundee DD1 9SY
Tel. 01382 632966 (direct line)
|
Clinical Radiology X-Ray Department Information for Patients |
| X-Ray Unit Ninewells Hospital & Medical School Dundee DD1 9SY |
Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Tel. 01382 632966 (direct line) |
MRI Scan
What is an MRI Scan?
The letters MRI stand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is an advanced method of examining the body. It combines a powerful magnet and computer to make a clear picture of your body structures. No X-rays are used, which makes the scanner very safe.
Click here to see an image
of an MRI machine
How do I prepare for the scan?
Diet: You may eat and drink as normal.
Medication: Continue with any prescribed medication.
Dress: Because of the strong magnetic field, it is important that metallic objects do not get close to the magnet. For this reason, we may ask you to put on a hospital gown. If you prefer your own clothes, a zip-less track suit or pyjamas may be worn.
Valuables: You will be asked to remove any metal object such as watches, jewellery (gold rings do not need to be removed), keys, coins, credit cards, hair decoration etc. You may prefer to leave these objects at home, although we will provide you with a locker.
Makeup: If you are having a thyroid scan, please do not wear any mascara on the day of your appointment. It contains iron which interferes with the scanner. Please also note that contact lenses must be removed. Please bring your lens care kit with you.
On Arrival in the Department.
A member of staff will go through a check list to ensure you have no metal on or in your person.
Important
Due to the strong magnetic fields, not everyone is suitable for MRI
scans.
Please tell us if any of the following apply to you.
Cardiac pacemakers
Ear implants
Ever had metal fragments in your eyes
Metal fragments in your body
Artificial heart valves
Spinal stimulators
Any metallic implants
If you are less than 14 weeks pregnant
On Arrival in the Department.
A member of staff will go through a check list to ensure you have no metal on or in your person.
During the scan
You will lie on a couch which moves into the magnet. All you have to do is relax and keep still for a period of 4 to 9 minutes at a time for each series of images.
During this time you will hear a loud drumming noise from the machine as the images are built up. The scan will take approximately half an hour.
You may bring along a compact disc to listen to during the scan.
the radiographer can both see and hear you through glass panel. An intercom is provided so you may talk to the radiographer.
Links to other pages
General Information
about Radiology
Ó NHS Tayside; 2006; version 1.0
Disclaimer; no liability whatsoever is accepted for information given and all such information, especially with regard to drug usage (UK version provided), must be checked with a person’s health provider.