MRI and CT Scanner

MRI SCANNER

A mobile MRI scanner visits the hospital every Wednesday and Friday.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combines a powerful magnet with a sophisticated computer to produce pictures of any part of the body without the need for x-rays. The detail in these pictures is so good that the scanner can see a lesion as small as two millimetres, accuracy that helps in the early detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment to start sooner.

Certain people may not be suitable for MRI scanning. For more information please contact the department for details on 01633 820301.

The Scan

For your scan you will be positioned on a comfortable couch which is moved into the magnet. You will experience no discomfort, but during the scan you may hear some humming or knocking noises – these are perfectly harmless.

The technician operating the scanner can both see and hear you throughout the procedure so if you have any concerns, you only have to say. Depending on the part to be examined, the scan will take between 30 and 60 minutes.

If you prefer then a parent, relative or friend may sit with you during your scan (subject to a safety check).

Results

The results of your scan will be viewed by a radiologist, and they will report to the person who referred you for examination. All scan reports are completed promptly.

CT SCANNER

A mobile CT scanner visits the hospital on alternate Tuesdays.

Computer Tomography (CT) is carried out by a special x-ray machine that produces a picture of a cross-section or 'slice', of the inside of the body.  The scanner is like a large doughnut which patients pass through while lying on a couch.

For some scans patients may be asked to drink an amount of fluid prior to the scan starting.  Some scans involve injecting a substance (known as a 'contrast medium') into a vein to increase the amount of information obtained from the scan.

The Scan

You will be taken into an x-ray room and made comfortable on the couch.  You may be given an injection in your arm, which can cause a warm feeling for a while.

The couch will be moved slowly to position the part of your body under investigation within the 'doughnut'.  The radiographers will go into another room but you will be able to talk to them via an intercom and they will be watching you all the time.  The actual CT scan takes about 20 minutes, however, if you have been given a drink before your scan and had an injection this may mean that from start to finish the process could be as much as two hours.

Results

The images will be examined shortly after your visit by a specialist radiologist and a report will be sent to your referring docotor, normally 2-4 days after the scan.

For more information or to make an appointment please telephone 01633 820301