MRI scanning
The London Chest hospital now houses a new cardiac MRI scanner so cardiac patients no longer have to be transferred to other hospitals. The new scanner is also being used in our pioneering work into heart stem cell trials. Click here for more.
There are also two MRI scanners at the Royal London Hospital which specialise in muscular, skeletal scans and those to neurological conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
The MRI scanner at Barts specialises in helping to diagnose and treat tumours, cancers and in particular breast screening.
Magnetic and radio waves take detailed pictures of the soft tissue parts of the body like muscles, tendons and the spinal cord.
For abdominal and pelvic scans you can’t eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. You’ll be informed if this is the case.
Scans can take anything from 30 minutes to an hour depending on what is being scanned, but again you’ll be informed of this.
If you suffer from extreme claustrophobia, you’ll be referred to a hospital with an open scanner or given something to make you feel more relaxed.
You will not be given the results of your scan immediately. The radiologist will examine the scans and send a detailed report through to the doctor who referred you. The results will then be discussed at your next appointment.
Download MRI scanning patient information leaflet
New location for medical imaging at The Royal London Hospital
The diagnostic imaging suite has moved to the first and second floor of the main building. Click here to find out how to get to the new department and for new contact details.
