What to expect at your scan

Before you go

Most scans need no preparation. Some abdominal ultrasound and MRI scans ask you not to eat for a few hours, and pelvic ultrasound often needs a full bladder. The centre tells you when they book you in.

MRI safety

MRI uses a strong magnet, so the centre will check for pacemakers, implanted devices, surgical clips, metal fragments in the eye and cochlear implants. Tell us on your GP call if any of these apply — it does not always rule the scan out, but it changes how it is done. If you are claustrophobic, say so early: some centres have wider bores, and open or upright MRI is available in London and Birmingham.

CT and X-ray

These use a small dose of radiation, which is why a doctor has to justify the scan. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.

Contrast injections

Some scans need contrast through a small cannula in the arm. If your GP advises it, we add it to your booking. Your kidney function may need checking first.

How long it takes

• ECG: about 5 minutes
• X-ray: about 10 minutes
• Ultrasound: 15 to 30 minutes
• MRI, one area: 20 to 40 minutes
• Full body MRI: 45 to 90 minutes depending on the package
• CT: a few minutes of scanning, longer with contrast

Afterwards

You can drive and go back to normal activity straight away unless you have had sedation, which we do not arrange. The report comes to us, usually within a few working days, and your GP calls you to go through it.