What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic scanning technique based on the principles of magnetic resonance. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce detailed images of the internal organs and tissues. It can be used to investigate almost any part of the body and is most commonly used to examine the brain, joints and discs in the spine. No radiation is involved in an MRI scan.
Meet The Affidea Family,Affidea Letterkenny Clinical Lead Sarah Doherty
My day begins at 8.30am, scanning patients in our wide-bore MRI scanner. We can scan up to 20 patients a day, which provides a lot of scope and flexibility for patients to find a time that suits their busy schedules.

When a patient arrives at the Centre, they are greeted by our Administration Team at reception, where they complete registration and answer Affidea’s important safety checklist before progressing to MRI. When I meet my patients, I introduce myself and then discuss the checklist with them again as it is paramount that we ensure the safety of every patient entering the MRI suite. We take the time to provide a detailed explanation of the entire procedure, which helps to put our patients at ease.

From my years of working in MRI, I have personally witnessed how access to this service has had a huge impact on families, with early diagnosis giving patients the best chance of a healthy future. I am proud every day to be able to give back to my local community where I grew up.
Meet The Affidea Family,Affidea Letterkenny Clinical Lead Sarah Doherty

Is an MRI Scan Safe?

An MRI scan is a painless procedure and there are no known risks or side effects associated with MRI.

Please consult your doctor and a Affidea staff member prior to your MRI if you are or may be pregnant or if you have had surgery recently, particularly surgery that has required the insertion of metal joint replacements or clips. The scan may have to be delayed slightly to allow time for the area around the surgical site to heal prior to your scan.

Please also consult your doctor and a Affidea staff member if you have any of the following as it may not be possible to have an MRI scan:

Certain aneurysm clips in your head
Certain metallic heart valves
A cardiac pacemaker
Inner ear implants (e.g. Cochlear)
Some neurological stimulators
Metal fragments within your eye

If you have ever had metal fragments in your eye due to a penetrating injury and have not had your eyes checked, you will require an X-ray of your eyes prior to your scan to ensure there are no fragments still remaining.

What if I have fillings or other dental fixtures?

The MRI examination can still be carried out if you have any fillings or other dental fixtures.

Do I need to prepare for an MRI scan?

In general there is no preparation necessary for an MRI scan. Unless otherwise instructed, you can eat and drink normally and take any regular medication. You will be asked to read our information leaflet and complete a short safety questionnaire prior to your exam. Both of these can be downloaded on this website prior to your scan.

What happens during an MRI scan?

For the examination you will be asked to lie on a cushioned table and will be made as comfortable as possible. You will be given an alarm button in case you need to contact the radiographer during the examination. Throughout the examination you will hear repeated banging, buzzing and rumbling noises which stop and start. These noises are normal. You will not feel anything. The machine does not move. It is open at both ends and it cannot close.

You will be given ear phones and you may choose the music you wish to listen to during your scan.

Are MRI scans painful?

No. An MRI scan is a painless procedure. You must be able to keep very still and lie quite flat. If you are unable to keep still or lie flat please contact us before your scan.

How long will an MRI scan take?

For one part of your body to be scanned it generally takes approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, it will take proportionally longer to scan more than one part of your body. The length of the scan may also vary depending upon the diagnosis being sought, for example it often takes longer to produce high resolution images when very small anatomical structures are being scanned.

How do I get the results?

The radiologist will write a report to your referring doctor detailing the findings from the scan.

Will I feel Claustrophobic?

You will be given a buzzer to press, so that you have full control, should you wish to stop the scan at any time.
Via headphones, you are in constant contact with your Radiographer.
We cater specifically for claustrophobic/nervous patients, with our wide-bore MRI scanners which are wider, shorter and faster than usual, providing exceptional patient comfort. It also offers excellent image quality and superb diagnostic capabilities.

Are there any side-effects to MRI scans?

There are no known side effects to an MRI scan. There is no radiation used.
However you will be required to lie perfectly still for relatively long periods. Therefore if this is not possible another type of scan might be recommended.
It is not possible to have an MRI scan if you have certain aneurysm clips in your head, certain metallic heart valves, a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants, neuroelectrical stimulators or metal fragments in your eye. An X-ray of the eye may be performed prior to your scan if you have ever had metal fragments in your eyes.

Can I have an MRI scan if I am pregnant?

In general, an MRI will not be advised if you are or may be pregnant. Please inform your doctor and a Affidea staff member if you are or may be pregnant.

	The foundation upon which Affidea has been built is trust. Both doctors and patients know that we strive to provide the best standard of care, delivered by the best professionals with the most modern technologies. Patients trust and rely on doctors. Doctors trust and rely on us.
TRUST

	What’s Affidea’s secret to transforming the standards of healthcare service provision? Our people. Healthcare professionals that know what they are doing and care about what they do. They make us who we are today. And who we want to be tomorrow.
PEOPLE

	We implement the highest standards and procedures to ensure safety. Affidea is committed to becoming the first European diagnostic provider to shape a new paradigm in patient safety by introducing a company wide Dose Excellence Programme ensuring the right balance between dose and image quality.
SAFETY

	Affidea has an extensive network of international affiliations with the world’s top medical institutions to ensure that our doctors always have immediate access to the latest medical knowledge, clinical guidelines and medical procedures in all Affidea medical centres in order to ensure the highest quality diagnostics and cancer treatment.
NETWORK

	We know that hospitality is important. We care about how you feel and want to make each visit to an Affidea centre as comfortable as we can. An exceptional patient experience is ensured by delivering a personalised service in modern and comfortable service settings where you feel safe and confident that you are receiving the highest quality medical care.
COMFORT

	We develop and exchange best practice. Patients deserve to know what we do, how we do it and why we do it. The continuous improvement of all Affidea care delivery processes is achieved by capitalising on the company’s extensive experience in 14 European countries and an organised effort to share best practice to improve patient safety and patient experience.
SHARING

	Technology has done more for health today than it has ever done and will do even more in the future. Affidea is committed to operating a best in class medical equipment base and maintain it’s long standing relations with major equipment producers to ensure our patients will always have access to the latest, most innovative and effective technology.
TECHNOLOGY