Private MRI scans in Harley Street, London

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, noninvasive procedure that uses radio waves, a magnet and computer software, to obtain two and three dimensional (3D) images of inside the body. Its main advantage is that it does not use x-ray radiation and can detect problems such as injuries and diseases in their early stages, especially in soft tissue. MRI is very good for imaging water filled structures as the scans depend on the behaviour of water molecules in a magnetic field.

A 3T MRI Scanner is an extremely powerful diagnostic tool. Our state-of-the-art 3T Scanner takes high resolution pictures in less time, shortening scan times and improving quality even on very small body structures, giving way to more accurate diagnosis.

Our Philips Ingenia Elition scanner has a wide bore (70 cm) as opposed to the regular MRI Scanners (60cm). We are also equipped with an ambiance setting inside the scanning room where through soothing ambient light, and the help of TV screens, the whole experience is a much more enjoyable one.

Our friendly team scan numerous claustrophobic patients each year, including severe cases, by doing their utmost to make patients feel as comfortable and at ease as possible throughout. You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you inside the MRI scanning room (provided they meet all safety requirements).

If you are feeling particularly apprehensive, we can arrange a pre-visit to our Centre to allow you to see the scanner. Please contact us if you wish to arrange this.

All our scans are safe and there are no known serious side effects associated with MRI. MRI does not use ionising radiation (x-rays) so can be carried out without any known negative effects. The scanning process is very noisy and so you will be asked to wear ear defenders to protect your hearing. You will not feel any pain from our scanning machines and our team will do their utmost to make sure you feel as comfortable and at ease as possible during your scan.

You will be asked to fill in a safety questionnaire at the time of your scan to ensure you are safe to enter the MRI room to prevent any risks. If you are pregnant and in your first trimester you will not be able to undergo any diagnostic imaging with MRI as a safety precaution.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your MRI scan. If you are having a scan of your abdomen you must avoid eating for 4 hours before your scan. If you are having a scan of your gall bladder or pancreas you must also in addition avoid drinking before your scan. If you are having a scan of your gall bladder or pancreas you must also in addition avoid drinking one hour before your scan. If a contrast injection is advised, you should also have no food 2 hours before the appointment time.

You will need to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment is due. During this time, we will ask you to complete an MRI safety questionnaire. Once we have reviewed your questionnaire, we will decide whether to go ahead with your scan.

Your safety is paramount. It is very important to be accurate when answering the questions. We may ask you to provide further information about any implants you may have before we know if it will be safe for you to have the scan. If you were given an information card for an implanted device inside your body, please make sure you send a copy of it to our bookings team prior to the appointment or bring it with you on the day of your scan.

You will be provided with a gown to change into. All metal, including jewellery, is prohibited due to the strong magnetic field in the scanning room. The radiographer will check that you have removed anything containing metal prior to your scan, to ensure all safety requirements are met. You will have access to a locker for storing your belongings during the scan.

The scan will usually take approximately 30/45 minutes for each part of the body being scanned. However, this can vary depending on the scan, but we will explain this to you.

The radiographer will position you on a special couch. They may put a surface coil around the part of your body being scanned (for example, the shoulder). Surface coils act like an antenna to receive the radio waves from the MRI system.

Once you are in the correct position, the radiographer will move the couch until the area of your body being scanned is in the centre of the scanning machine’s magnetic field. The radiographer will be able to see, hear and speak to you always through Intercom and a viewing window and will provide simple instructions.

It is important that you stay completely still during the scan. The radiographer may even ask you to hold your breath at certain points. This is because movement can blur the images, making the scan less accurate.

You will be able to communicate with the radiographer through an intercom at any point during the scan. As the main magnetic field strength is altered during the scan, electromagnetic coils produce a wide range of sounds throughout your scan including banging, buzzing and rumbling noises. This is normal.

Some patients may need a contrast injection to help enhance some structures inside your body, usually in parts which have poor natural contrast. Contrast is a special liquid that highlights body tissue to make subtle differences or disease easier to see and diagnose. The contrast will be injected through a small tube, called a cannula, in your arm.

Allergic reactions to contrast are rare. However, if you feel discomfort at any time during the scan, or if you feel sick, please inform the radiographer.

If you are breastfeeding and require a contrast injection as part of your scan, you may wish to express milk ahead of your scan, as you are advised to stop breastfeeding for a period of 24 hours after you have had the contrast injection.

You may eat and drink as usual and return to your normal daily routine straightaway. If you had a contrast injection, we advise you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast out via your urinary system.

Please check the skin where we injected you for signs of infection (for example, redness, soreness or weeping) over the next 24 hours. It is normal to experience some bruising in the area where we injected you once the needle has been removed. Rarely an infection can occur at the injection site, and this is a recognised possibility even in the best of circumstances.

If you see any signs of infection, or if you experience any of the rare side effects, including nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, itchiness, or a rash on the body, please contact your doctor or visit a local A&E department without delay.

After your scan, if you are a private patient the radiographer will provide you with a CD (on request) of your images to take away.

A radiologist will write a report and send it to the doctor or consultant who referred you, usually within 48 hours. Your report will contain a summary of the radiologist's findings and their recommendations for further follow-up.

You will need to arrange an appointment to discuss your report with the doctor or consultant who referred you for the scan.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure if they feel it is necessary. This chaperone may be a family member or friend. Sometimes it may be necessary for a formal chaperone (for example, a trained member of staff) to be present.

Please let us know before your appointment if you would like a chaperone.