Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
Your scan will likely take place at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. The location will be confirmed on your appointment notification.
Specially trained operators called Radiographers will perform the examination.
Preparation Instructions
On the day of your MRI scan, you should be able to eat, drink and take any medication as usual, unless you’re advised otherwise.
In some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for up to 4 hours before the scan. Other patients may be asked to drink quite a large amount of water beforehand. This depends on the area being scanned.
As the MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields, it’s important to remove any metal objects from your body. These include:
- watches
- jewellery, like earrings and necklaces
- piercings, like ear, nipple and nose rings
- dentures (false teeth)
- hearing aids
- wigs (some wigs contain traces of metal)
- hairpins
- medicine patches (like nicotine or hormone patches)
- glucose monitors
- tethered or patch insulin pumps
Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may need to wear a hospital gown during the procedure. If you don’t need to wear a gown, you should wear clothes without metal zips, fasteners, buttons, underwire (bras), belts or buckles.
Pregnancy
If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform the department as soon as possible. We may not be able to carry out the examination if you are, or might be, pregnant.
Results
Results are usually not provided on the day of your scan. They will be sent to the doctor or healthcare professional who referred you. Staff can advise when you should expect them.
Some scans may be reported by an external Radiology Reporting company. Your confidential information is kept secure.
Contact Details
X-Ray Appointments Office, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Phone: 01324 567026
