Private MRI scans in Harley Street, London

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and non-invasive procedure that employs radio waves, a magnet, and advanced computer software to generate two and three-dimensional images of the internal structures within your body. Notably, MRI does not involve radiation, making it a preferable choice for early detection of injuries and diseases, particularly within soft tissues. Our MRI facility features a wide bore, offering more space than standard MRI scanners. Furthermore, our scanner is thoughtfully designed with an ambient setting that includes soothing lighting and an immersive audio-visual experience, ensuring a comfortable environment even for those who may experience claustrophobia.

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.

Rest assured that all our MRI scans are completely safe. Unlike procedures that involve ionising radiation, MRI does not pose any harm. Our scanning machines are painless, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a comfortable and relaxed environment for you during your scan.

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 duration of a cardiac MRI scan varies, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes.

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.

In certain cases, a contrast injection might be necessary to enhance image clarity, especially for body parts with naturally low contrast. This contrast solution, a specialised liquid, highlights bodily tissues, aiding in the identification of subtle differences or diseases. The injection is administered through a small tube, known as a cannula, placed in your arm. While allergic reactions to contrast are uncommon, if you experience any discomfort or feel unwell during the scan, please inform the radiographer promptly.

Following your scan, you're free to resume your regular eating and drinking habits and return to your daily activities without delay. If you received a contrast injection, we would request that you remain in the department for an additional 20 minutes after the scan to ensure your well-being before departure. It's also advisable to increase your fluid intake to help eliminate the contrast from your system.

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.

If you have any additional questions, concerns, or uncertainties, don't hesitate to approach any of our staff members. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.