Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scanner

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Scans offered - MRI of:

  • Head and neck
  • Abdominal and pelvic organs including liver, uterus, ovaries, prostate, rectum and pelvic floor, perianal regions
  • MRCP (study of the biliary tree)
  • MRI of soft tissues and brachial plexus
  • All bone and joints including spine
  • MR arthrography
  • MR angiogram of intracranial, extracranial vasculature including aorta, renal arteries

We are in the process of acquiring and installing a new state of the art machine which will have added capabilities. We hope to be able to provide:

  • Cardiac MR scanning
  • MRI of breast, small bowel
Safety Information

You are requested to refer to your appointment letter for a complete set of instructions prior to scanning.

If you are claustrophobic, you may find MRI slightly uncomfortable and you are requested to discuss this with your physicians.
Jewellery and other accessories should be removed prior to the MRI scan. Because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include: jewellery, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images, removable dental work, pens, pocketknives, spectacles and body piercings.

If you have an implant of any kind, please inform your physician and make sure that it is MRI safe before entering the scan room.

Absolute Contraindications to having an MRI:

  • cochlear implants
  • electronically, magnetically and mechanically activated implants like pacemakers
  • ferromagnetic or electronically operated active devices like cardioverter defibrillators
  • metallic splinters in the eye
  • ferromagnetic haemostatic clips in the brain

Patients with absolute contraindications should not undergo MR Imaging

Relative Contraindications:

  • insulin pumps and nerve stimulators
  • prosthetic heart valves
  • haemostatic clips
  • non-ferromagnetic stapedial implants

Patients with relative contraindications should declare the implant before attending the scan. A questionnaire will be provided to check all these issues before you are imaged.

Sites providing MRI scanning:

  • Dorchester Radiology department

Timings:
8am to 8pm
Out of hours services are provided for emergency patients being referred from the wards and casualty.

Appointments:
Please call 01305 255397 for enquiries or to reschedule your appointment. Routine appointments are usually made in 2 weeks from the receipt of the request from clinicians.

Results:
We will not be able to provide immediate results to the patients as the images will have to reconstructed and reviewed by the radiologists prior to formulating a report which is then sent on to the clinicians.You are requested to contact your referring clinician for the results in 10 days time unless you have been given any other specific instructions.

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