Preparing for an MRI: what the day actually looks like

The imaging suite runs seven days a week, and most people are in and out inside the hour. Knowing the shape of the appointment removes most of the worry.

Before you arrive

Eat and drink normally unless we have told you otherwise. Leave jewellery at home, and tell us in advance about any implant, pacemaker, surgical clip or metal fragment, because that conversation decides whether an MRI is the right scan at all.

During the scan

You lie still while the scanner runs a series of sequences, each a few minutes long. It is loud; you will be given ear protection and a call button, and the radiographer can hear you the whole time.

Getting the result

A radiologist reports the images, usually within two working days, and your consultant explains them at your next appointment rather than sending you a report you have to decode alone.