Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Service contact information

Service detail

What is a MRI scan?

An MRI scanner uses a combination of a strong magnet and radio waves to look inside the body. There are no X-rays involved.

 

Our scanners

We have five MRI scanners at The Walton Centre:

  • Two 1.5 T wide bore scanners
  • Three 3T wide bore scanners (one is an iMRI)

                               

Safety – please read

For some people it is dangerous to go into a MRI scanner. Please call us on 0151 556 3681 to discuss your scan if you have: 

  • A pacemaker
  • Any operation clips in your head
  • Any implants
  • Metal in your eyes
  • Claustrophobia (We provide a dedicated claustrophobia clinic to help you to undergo your MRI)

OR

  • If you could be pregnant

 

What to expect

Safety sheet

Before your scan you will be asked to fill out a safety sheet. 
       

What to wear

You will be asked to remove jewellery, watch and wallet (lockers are available in the waiting room). You will be taken to the scanning suite to change into a cotton gown.

On the scanner

You will be asked to lie down on the scanner table and then positioned into the scanner.

Noise

MRI scanners are quite noisy so you will be given ear plugs.

Which scanner will I be on?

The scanner you are booked to go on depends upon the question your doctor is asking. Some questions cannot be answered by all the scanners.

What will I feel?

You shouldn’t feel anything other than slight vibration of the machine.

How long will it take?

Exams are tailored for each patient, but typically take 30 to 45 minutes.

Will I need an injection?

It depends upon what question your doctor is asking. Some people shouldn’t have an injection. Please let us know if you:

  • Have kidney problems
  • Are diabetic
  • Have had a reaction to dye before

 

What is the injection?

This is an MRI contrast, which is based upon the element Gadolinium.

 

How do I get my results?


The doctor who ordered the test for you will receive the results. This can take up to 14 days.

 

Additional contact details

MRI appointments team – 0151 556 3677 / 3678

Out-of-hours MRI – 0151 556 3703

Getting here

The MRI department is located within neuroradiology off the main corridor of the Main Building at The Walton Centre. Please let reception know you have arrived.

If your MRI appointment is between 7:45am – 9am or 5pm – 7:30pm please use the outside door next to the ambulance bay. There is a doorbell on the wall to the right of the door. The MRI staff will let you in through here.

The Walton Centre - Main Hospital Building

The Walton Centre Main Building

This building hosts many of our in-patient services, including wards and theatres, and some outpatients services.

Address

Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7LJ

Directions and map

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is not responsible for third-party sites or content.

Page last updated: 23 June 2021

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