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Radiotherapy Chemotherapy Cyclotron Diagnostic Imaging Rehabilitation Macmillan Centre |
You will be in the department for approximately:
Please try to be on time so you do not delay other patients. What is a MR scanner?A MR scanner is a short wide tube, open at both ends containing a magnet in the centre which takes pictures of different parts of the body. It does not use x-rays, so it will not make you radioactive and is perfectly safe. We will usually scan one or two areas of your body, depending on your doctor's request. Why do I need a scan? Initially a MR scan assesses your condition and then compares your progress during and after treatment. Is there any special preparation? You can continue taking any tablets or medicines and you can eat and drink as normal. If you think you are pregnant, please telephone the department beforehand. Before the scan, we will ask you to complete a form asking about any operations or injuries that you may have had. This is because the machine uses a magnet that may affect any metal in your body. You may be able to wear your own clothes during the scan as long as they have no metal fastenings such as zips, bra clips, and buckles otherwise we will give you a gown. We will also ask that you remove all items containing metal such as dentures, watches, keys, coins, credit cards, body piercing, and jewellery except gold wedding rings. We will keep everything safe for you in a locker until the scan is over. What happens during the scan? A radiographer carries out the scan, will answer your questions, and will explain what is happening at all times. We will ask you to lie down on the table and make you as comfortable as possible. The tabletop will slide through the opening until the area we want to scan is in the centre of the magnet. As the scanner takes the pictures, you will hear different noises at various stages. It will not touch you and you will not feel anything. Some people may feel claustrophobic (closed in.) However, we can show you the equipment beforehand and you can ask a friend or relative to sit with you if it helps you stay calm. We will check your companion for metal. We can also play some music to pass the time or you can bring in a favourite CD. Please do not hesitate to talk to the radiographer if you think it may be a problem. Some scans require an injection into a vein in your arm but this is normal practice. The scan has no side effects so you will not feel any different. It is quite safe to drive home after the scan. When will I get the results? After you leave the department, the doctor will look at the pictures and write a report. This will take some time but your doctor will normally receive the results within one week and they will be available for your next appointment.
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CT Scan MR scan Bone scan |
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Professional Information | Employment | How to find us | NHS Direct Site Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology | Clatterbridge Road | Bebington | Wirral | CH63 4JY tel: 0151 334 1155 | fax: 0151 482 7675 | [email protected] Last Updated May 2001 | |||||