Our Services & Specialties

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of almost every internal part of the body. The images from the scan can then be examined on a computer screen or a printout. This process is completely safe and involves no harmful radiation whatsoever. MRI scans can be taken from almost any angle and are generally more detailed and thorough than any other type of scan.

Before your Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, you will be able to eat, drink and take any medication as normal. The only exception to this is if you are having an abdominal scan which means you will have to fast for 6 hours prior to the examination.

The results of the MRI scan will not be available immediately, as the images need to be processed and studied by a Consultant Radiologist. We will then send the results to the doctor who referred you for the scan within 24 hours - 3 working days.

At London Bridge Hospital we have a total of 4 MRI scanners. The top of the range 1.5 T Siemens Symphony Magnet is situated within the main hospital and another at our satellite site located at Canary Wharf. At the other satellite, located at 31 Old Broad Street in the City of London, we have 2 magnets. One is Siemens 1.5 Tesla Avanto system and is equipped with the latest Total Imaging Matrix (TIM) technology, which allows for some additional MRI functions resulting in increased flexibility and faster scanning. The software also allows for fusion of separately run sequences to form images of the whole spine, for example.
There is also a dedicated MRI for extremity imaging. This is a 1 Tesla machine specifically designed to image small areas such as hands, wrists knees etc. By using a very small field of view it is possible to show increased detail on small joints.

All the MRI staff are specifically trained in this speciality and deliver high quality scans which are reported on by Consultant Radiologists who also specialise in this field.

What your MRI scan will involve

As you will be entering a very strong magnetic field as soon as you walk into the scanner room, all people entering the room must fill in a safety questionnaire to ensure that there are no conditions that might make having an MRI scan unsafe for them. This includes questions about previous surgery, implanted devices such as pacemakers or surgery leading to joint replacement etc. Lockers are provided for the safe keeping of valuables, which are not allowed into the scan room. The MRI scan usually lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area of the body that is being scanned. Pieces of equipment (coils) may be placed around or strapped to parts of the body to gather images. During the scan it is vital to remain as still as possible, as motion will lead to the images being blurred and having to be repeated. During the scan we will be in contact with you via an intercom system and if you are concerned for any reason you can contact us by using a panic button. When the images are being taken, the scanner will make loud banging noises. To protect you from this noise, you will be provided with earphones or disposable earplugs, and your choice of music to listen to. Sometimes an injection of contrast media (dye) will be used to highlight areas within the body. This should not cause any discomfort or side-effects, however, if you have any known kidney disease this may affect the decision to use the contrast agent.

Practically everyone is suitable for a MRI scan, however, you may be unsuitable if you:

• have a cardiac pacemaker
• have a cochlear implant
• have an artificial heart valve (most are considered MRI safe, but some are not compatible and we would need to check the type and model number of valve you have to determine safety).
• have had intracranial aneurysm clips
• have had an accident with a metal foreign object/dust within the eye (we would need to send you for x-rays of your orbits as a safety precaution).
• are pregnant within the first trimester
• are extremely claustrophobic