 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly specialized imaging examination that does not use x-rays. Instead, it involves the use of a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency waves, combined with sophisticated computer technology to produce detailed pictures of the body. MRI allows a better evaluation of various parts of the body that might not be so well assessed by other techniques, such as ultrasound or CT, or indeed it may be complimentary to them.
At Berkshire Imaging, we have access to the latest state of the art MRI scanners, which are based at Dunedin, Berkshire Independent and Royal Berkshire Hospitals. We routinely perform MRI of the brain, neck, spine, abdominal and pelvic organs, blood vessels, bones, joints and soft tissues. The anatomical pictures obtained will be interpreted by a Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologist, who will issue a formal report to your referring doctor and also include the MRI pictures on printed film and/or CD.
No preparation is required for the examination. You will lie on a couch, which will move you into the MRI scanner; it is essential to lie still throughout the test, which usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. Occasionally it may be necessary to be given a small intravenous injection to improve the accuracy of the pictures produced.
A very small number of people will not be able to undergo an MRI scan. The main reasons are: -
Heart pacemaker
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Implantable defibrillator
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| Ear/cochlear implants |
Metal heart valve |
Metal fragments in eyes
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Pregnancy – the first three months |
Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire. This will determine whether there are possibly other reasons that you may not undergo MRI. These may include: brain aneurysm clips, later stages of pregnancy, infusion pumps and catheters.
If you have any concerns regarding your potential to have an MRI scan, please contact:
• For Dunedin or Berkshire Independent Hospitals MRI - Tel. 0118 955 3415.
• For Royal Berkshire Hospital MRI - Tel. 0118 322 7951.
For appointment or other enquiries, please call the Berkshire Imaging office on 0118 902 8059.
MRI Arthrography
Occasionally to examine the internal structures of certain joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle) it may be necessary to inject the joint with some fluid. This will be performed under x-ray guidance in the department prior to the MRI scan.
You will be asked to arrive 30 minutes before the MRI examination. In an x-ray room, the procedure will be fully explained by a Consultant Radiologist with specialist training in musculoskeletal imaging. The skin of the joint will be cleaned and local anaesthetic given to numb the area. Under x-ray guidance, the tip of a needle will then be positioned in the edge of the joint and a contrast medium injected; this fluid allows the inside of the joint to be outlined allowing better assessment by the MRI scanner of the cartilage of the joint, as well as potential loose bodies.
After this injection, you will then undergo the MRI scan, which typically lasts 30 minutes. The images will be reviewed by the Radiologist who performed your injection and a report sent directly to your referring doctor.
Further information can be found at: -
Going for an MRI scan
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Investigations 
