Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI Scanners

We have two MRI Scanners which are located at opposite ends of the Hospital site.  Please check you appointment letter carefully to see which scanner your scan is booked for as it is about 10 minutes’ walk between the two scanners. Our MRI-1 Scanner can be found on Level 3 in the Main Hospital corridor.  Our MRI-2 Scanner can be found in SDH Central in a newly redeveloped dedicated department.  When you attend for your appointment please check in with the Kiosk on the wall or speak to our friendly receptionist.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and uses strong magnetic fields and gradients, coupled with radio waves, to generate cross-sectional pictures of various body parts. It can be very noisy and therefore the Radiographer will give you protection for your ears. It is important that if you have any metal or electronic devices inside or outside your body that you communicate this to the Radiographer prior to the scan. Scan times vary depending on the type of scan.

Contrast

We routinely give contrast injections for both scanners. These injections enhance and improve the pictures that we take. Contrast for CT contains Iodine whereas contrast for MRI is a gadolinium-based solution. If an injection is required the Radiographer will talk you through this and ask questions such as do you have any allergies?

It is common to have both scans for the same medical reason. This is because both scanners complement each other by showing information about the body in different ways.

The results will go back to your referring Doctor. For Outpatients and GP patients this can take 7-10 working days.