An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan utilises magnetic forces and radio waves to take pictures of the body. It requires no radioactive sources to acquire the pictures.

When in the scanning room, you will be asked to lie on the scanning table where a “camera” will be placed around the body part we are scanning. Due to the humming sound the MRI makes, you will be given hearing protection. This may be either ear plugs, or if the camera allows you may get headphones with the radio playing. An MRI scan can take from 15 minutes up to 1 and a half hours depending on your requirements and can produce up to several hundred images.

During your scan, it is important that you remain completely still to ensure that the images are as clear as possible. If you have trouble lying still it may be important to discuss this with your Doctor before you come for the scan and they may be able give you something to assist this.

In some cases, you may need an injection of a contrast or “dye” to help our specialists interpret your scan. This is generally given through a little needle in the arm during the scan.

Not everyone is eligible to have an MRI scan due to certain devices that the patient may have in their bodies from surgeries in the past. Women who are pregnant are not allowed to have MRI scans in most cases. Before each scan your safety and eligibility for an MRI will be checked by the Staff. You will be asked to change to ensure that no metallic items enter the MRI scanner.

You can make an appointment for your MRI scan with the Al Safwa Radiology Centre, Sharjah. Our staff will assist you with any question related to your MRI scan.