Magnetic Resonance Scanner

MR scanning is used to investigate a wide variety of conditions.

It has several advantages over conventional imaging methods. One of the main advantages is that the procedure does not involve the use of ionising radiation (X-rays)

Your scan

Before every MR scan you will need to complete a safety questionnaire, this is to ensure that it is safe for you to have your scan.

The scan itself is totally painless. The only thing you will notice is the sound of the scanner – this is a fairly loud humming or knocking sound.

The scan usually takes between 30-45 minutes but you may need to spend longer than this in the department. Staff will be able to talk to you between scans & you will have a call buzzer. If you are very claustrophobic you are welcome to have a friend or relative stay with you throughout the procedure if you wish. They too must be able to complete a safety questionnaire – there may be some occasions when they are not allowed into the scan room.

Please remove all piercings and jewellery before attending for your scan.

Occasionally it is necessary to enhance the scan by the use of a small injection into a vein in the arm or hand. There are few, or no, noticeable effects from the injection and the product is very safe. Extravasation (spillage of the dye) into the tissues under the skin is one of the complications of receiving contrast in MR. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction to the contrast, which is also very rare.

Children under 16 years of age must be supervised at all times by an accompanying adult when in the X-ray department. X-ray staff are unable to look after any young person. Please do not bring your child to your appointment without an adult to accompany them during your examination. If this is difficult, please contact us so that we can offer you a more convenient appointment.

It is very important that you contact the department before your appointment if you have or have ever had

Heart surgery / Pacemaker / Replacement heart valves / Defibrillator
Ear implants (e.g. cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants)
Intracranial clips
Metal fragments in your eyes or head or worked with high speed metal e.g. on a grinder or lathe. It may be necessary for you to have an X-ray of your eyes before the scan to ensure your safety
If you are in kidney failure
Have hair extensions that should not be subject to heat e.g. nano rings
If you are or maybe pregnant
Hydrocephalic shunt in your head
Neuro electrical stimulator (e.g. spinal cord stimulator, nerve stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator, bladder stimulator or implanted drug pumps)

Please telephone 0151 556 3677 or 0151 556 3678 for advice.

More information

If you have any queries about your scan please feel free to ask the Radiographer when you arrive at the unit. If you need to speak to someone prior to your visit please telephone on the above numbers

If you are taking medicine

Please continue to take any tablets or medicines prescribed by your doctor. You may eat and drink normally before your scan unless advised otherwise, but please avoid alcohol.

If you are asthmatic and use an inhaler, please bring your inhaler with you

If you require an ambulance

If you think you require an ambulance please notify us immediately – we might need to change your appointment time.

In most cases you will need to arrange your own ambulance on the numbers below

Telephone: North West Ambulance 0800 032 3240

Manchester ambulance 0800 023 2292

Welsh Ambulance 0300 123 2317

West Midlands (Cheshire) 0345 425 0050

The ambulance service will ask you some questions to make sure the correct transport is selected for you.

After your scan

After your scan you will be able to return home. It will be quite safe for you to drive or return to work if you wish.

Last Updated:
01 October 2023
Review Date:
01 October 2027
Author:
K Tyler/K Shannon
Summary:
MR scanning is used to investigate a wide variety of conditions. It has several advantages over conventional imaging methods. One of the main advantages is that the procedure does not involve the use of ionising radiation (X-rays).
Related Service:
Neuroradiology