MRI scanning

What happens on the day of my examination?

Before the exam

See travel and other instructions for mobile MRI scanner patients (pdf, October 2023).

When arriving, check-in at the radiology reception. You will then be sent round to the MRI department waiting room.

At your appointment time a radiographer will collect you. The radiographer will take you into one of the consultation rooms to carry out safety screening and explain the process to you.

At this stage they will ask you a variety of safety issues related to MRI. If you have any of the following, please contact the department by phone (given above):

• heart pacemaker or defibrillator - please contact us even if you have previously been scanned, so we can make sure you are booked in an appropriate slot
• aneurysm clips in the brain
• metal fragments in eyes, head or body
• ear implant
• Implanted Nerve Stimulator
• Continuous Glucose Monitor eg Libre - these can’t be worn in the scanner so have to be removed and a new one applied after the scan
• if you have had an operation within the last 6 weeks
• if you think there is a chance of you being pregnant

It is important you answer fully and honestly as this can affect how the MRI scan is undertaken.

If you are unclear on any question, feel free to ask the radiographer to explain more fully. This is also a good time to raise any questions or concerns you have about the MRI exam.

Depending on the exam you may be asked to wear a hospital gown. Valuables can be stored in the lockers in the consultation rooms.

During the exam

Once this stage is complete the radiographer will take you into the exam room. It is important you remove all metal before entering. Objects can be left outside the scan room or placed in the locker.

In some instances the radiographer may need to place a cannula to allow the injection of contrast. Contrast causes the images to be enhanced and can assist with diagnosis.

The radiographer will take you into the scan room where you lie on the bed.

The exam may take up to an hour. If you feel this may be intolerable due to pain or another reason, highlight this to the radiographer.

The MRI is very loud - to protect your hearing, ear plugs are used. The radiographer may also be able to play music for you to help pass the time.

During the scan it is important you remain as still as possible. Movement may cause the scan to turn out blurry.

The radiographer is in constant contact with you during the scan. If you have any issues the buzzer can be used to contact the radiographer.

After the exam

Unless you are told otherwise, you can leave as soon as your MRI has concluded.

If you do have any special requirements this will be highlighted to you before you leave.

After your exam is completed, your scan is sent to a radiologist. This is a specialised doctor who can inspect your scan and report the results.

After this is reported you will be notified of the results.

More information about medication

If you received contrast during your scan, see patient information from the manufacturers (PDF format) for the contrast agents used at Raigmore Hospital:

• Primovist
• Clariscan
• Buscopan
• Lactulose