MRI

Male clinician supporting patient into a MRI machine.

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Cora Health does not send scan or test results by SMS or email. If you receive a message claiming to provide results from an MRI, X-ray or other medical test, please do not click any links or open any attachments. If you have any concerns about a message you have received, contact us directly to check whether it is genuine.

If you have an MRI appointment coming up, you may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare.

An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Some MRI scans require special preparation, while others do not.

In this short video, we’ll explain what happens before, during and after an MRI scan, including any preparation you may need, so you can feel informed and ready for your appointment.

Watch the video to find out more.

Before your appointment

Special preparation is required for the following scans:

  • Abdomen
  • Abdomen and pelvis
  • Adrenals
  • Bowel
  • Colon
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Small bowel study
  • Urinary bladder

The preparation advice is different for people with and without diabetes. Please follow the advice for you below.

Click or tap the + sign to expand the information below.

For the scans listed above:

  • Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before your appointment
  • You may have small sips of water
  • Continue taking your usual medication

Before your scan:

  • Remove all jewellery and metallic objects
  • Remove watches, bank cards and similar items
  • Remove nicotine patches, hormone patches and body piercings
  • Wear clothing without metal zips or fasteners if possible

Your belongings can be stored securely during the scan.

If you have a metal joint replacement, such as a hip or knee replacement, it is safe to have an MRI scan.

Please contact us on 0203 818 7777 so we can arrange an early morning or afternoon appointment.

For the scans listed above:

  • Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before your appointment
  • You may have small sips of water

You may take other medication with water.

You should also:

  • Have a starchy bedtime snack the night before if you are concerned about low blood sugar levels
  • Check your blood sugar levels at least every hour
  • Bring a drink and biscuits or a sandwich for after your scan

Do not take your morning diabetic tablets or insulin unless you take:

  • Insulin glargine (Lantus)
  • Insulin detemir (Levemir)

If you take either of these, continue as normal.

If your blood sugar level falls below 4, or you feel hypo:

  • Have a sugary non-fizzy drink
  • Use GlucoGel
  • Take glucose tablets

If you use an insulin pump, please contact your diabetes nurse specialist or care provider before your appointment.

If you are unsure about any of this advice, please speak to your GP practice or Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

If your scan is not listed above:

  • Eat and drink as normal before and after your scan
  • Continue taking your usual medication

Before your scan:

  • Remove all jewellery and metallic objects
  • Remove watches, bank cards and similar items
  • Remove nicotine patches, hormone patches and body piercings
  • Wear clothing without metal zips or fasteners if possible

Your belongings can be stored securely during the scan.

If you have a metal joint replacement, such as a hip or knee replacement, it is safe to have an MRI scan.

For more information about MRI scans, visit the NHS website which you can visit here .

During your MRI appointment

What will I have to do before my scan? 

When you arrive:

  • A radiographer or healthcare assistant will welcome you
  • They will check your details
  • They will confirm the area being scanned
  • They will review your MRI safety questionnaire

You may be asked to change into a gown.

Your belongings will be stored securely during the scan.

What will happen during my scan?

The MRI scanner is open at both ends and has a moveable couch which slides into the machine.

You will be asked to lie on the couch and made comfortable. The part of the body being examined is placed in the middle of the scanner. You will be given a call button to gain the Radiographer’s attention if required.

The scan takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the specific examination, during which time it is important to lie very still. The machine is noisy and will make knocking or buzzing sounds throughout the scan and you will be provided with earplugs or headphones to protect your ears. 

Some examinations require a small quantity of contrast dye to be injected by a vein in your hand or arm in order to help with a diagnosis.  The radiographer will discuss this with you at the time of your appointment and will place a small cannula (thin plastic tube) into a vein in your hand or arm. Side effects are unlikely and you can drive and continue as normal after the procedure. 

After your MRI appointment

After your examination there will be many images which will need to be reviewed by a consultant, so we will not be able to give you an instant result.

You will need to make an appointment with the clinician who requested your scan to discuss the results. Usually, this process takes approximately one week. 

Change or cancel your MRI appointment

You can manage your appointment by calling your local service or completing the contact us form on our website. 

Find your local service