MRI scan at Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP)

Don’t let an injury stop you doing what you love. At the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance (MIHP), you could get a private appointment tomorrow and results within within a few days.

Identify the problem, treat it either by accessing our specialist team on site or being referred back to your GP or doctors.

Meaning you can get back to doing what you love, as quickly as possible.

Why The Manchester Institute of Health and Performance?

There are many reasons to come to us for an MRI including:

• Quick appointments arranged at your convenience
• Rapid results
• State of the art facility
• A friendly team of experienced experts
• Bring your own CD or choose from our selection, to keep you relaxed and entertained throughout the procedure.

Who can have an MRI scan at MIHP?

These services are available to corporate users and individuals, who want to self-pay or have private medical insurance.

You will need a referral containing details of why you need a scan to book an MRI with us. The referral should come from a registered healthcare professional (consultant, GP, registered physiotherapist).

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your injury or condition.

During a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan a large, powerful magnet, radiowaves and an advanced computer are used to take incredibly detailed images of the relevant part of your body. MRI has become widely used because the pictures are so detailed that the radiologist can see even tiny changes. This accuracy helps in the early detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

What is MRI used for?

Health concerns in which MRI may be used include:

• joint injuries, e.g. knee, shoulder, back
• brain and spinal cord conditions
• tumours, cysts and other anomalies
• breast cancer screening for women at high risk
• certain heart problems
• liver disease and other organs in the abdomen (stomach, gallbladder, intestines)
• investigating pelvic pain in women.

Are there any side effects of an MRI?

There are no known side effects of an MRI scan, and it is normally a pain-free procedure.

Some people may not be able to have an MRI scan. To make sure you are safe to scan please contact us on the number on your appointment letter if any of the following applies to you:

• You have a heart pacemaker
• You have had an operation to your brain or heart
• You have any type of metal implant
• You have had an injury to your eyes involving metal fragments
• You are, or might be pregnant
• You have a kidney problem.

Preparing for your MRI scan

Here are some things you can do to prepare:

• If you suffer from claustrophobia, you may find the scan uncomfortable, so please contact us if you think this may be a problem for you as there may be other options, depending on the type of scan and area to be scanned
• You can bring a friend or family member for support, but they may not be able to stay with you during the scan dependent on the procedure and safety screening. Children won’t be allowed into the scan room while you’re having the scan
• You can eat and drink as normal and take any prescribed medicine you’d normally take, unless you’ve been given written instructions not to
• Please wear clothing that has no metallic or plastic parts such as buttons, zips and hooks
• Please don’t wear any jewellery, including those for piercings
• Please don’t wear an under-wired bra

Don’t forget to bring the completed safety questionnaire with you – your radiographer will check this with you.

Please call us on the number on your appointment letter if you have any questions beforehand.

What does an MRI appointment involve?

Your appointment can take up to 40 minutes. You’ll be lying down on the scanning bed inside the MRI scanner for around half of this time.

Before the scan

When you arrive, you’ll meet your Nuffield Health radiographer – an expert in MRI scanning. Your radiographer will be with you through the whole process, from explaining the scan to performing the procedure.

We’ll check your name, date of birth and address. We’ll also ask you to sign a consent form to show that you agree to the procedure and fully understand what will happen. You’re free to ask any questions you want, to make sure you’re comfortable with everything before you sign.

If necessary, your radiographer may ask you to change into a gown for the scan and remove any jewellery. You’ll be given headphones or earplugs to wear as the machine can be loud.

During the scan

The scanner is a large hollow cylinder, which is open at both ends. The area of your body to be scanned needs to be in the centre of the scanner, so you can enter it head or feet first, and parts of your body may remain outside the scanner.

Here’s what you can expect during this time:

• For some scans, we can play you music while you’re inside the scanner
• If you feel claustrophobic during the scan, you should tell your radiographer immediately. You’ll also be given a buzzer to hold, which you can press to stop the scan if necessary
• You’ll experience no pain during the scan, but some patients feel uncomfortable to lie still for up to half an hour
• You’ll hear quite loud mechanical sounds from the MRI scanner through your headphones or earplugs
• Your radiographer can see and hear you at all times and will be able to talk to you throughout the scan using an intercom
• For some MRI scans, an injection may be needed to ensure that we get the clearest scan. This depends on the area being scanned and what we need to see. There is a small risk of an allergic or a minor reaction to the injection. Our medical teams are trained to deal with this if it happens. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us on the number on your appointment letter.

When will I get the results of my MRI scan?

A radiologist will examine the images from your scan, and the results will be available within a few days. While you're waiting for the results, you'll be able to go about your normal activities.

You can book an appointment with your doctor or healthcare professional who referred you to us to get the results of the scan.