What is an MRI scan?

Seonat / August 13, 2025 / Radiology What is an MRI scan? An MRI scan is a medical test that takes very detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Instead of using X-rays, an MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to make the images. Simple carousel diagram to show the MRI scan procedure (Brain imaging). MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It’s a safe and painless way for doctors to see organs, muscles, joints, and other soft tissues in much more detail than other scans. In the UK, an MRI scan is often used when an X-ray or CT scan can’t provide enough information. Doctors use MRI scans when they need a clear look at soft tissues such as the brain, muscles, heart, and joints. The pictures help find problems, track how a condition is changing, or plan the best treatment. What Does it Show? An MRI scan can show many parts of the body in great detail. This includes: The brain and spinal cord — to check for strokes, tumours, or nerve damage. Joints — to look at ligaments, cartilage, and muscles after injury. The heart and blood vessels — to see how well they are working. Internal organs — such as the liver, kidneys, and womb. Because MRI scans can clearly show soft tissue, they are often chosen when other scans, like X-rays, might not give enough information. How Does it Work? An MRI scanner is a large, tube-shaped machine with a tunnel in the middle. You lie on a table that slides into the tunnel. The scanner uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create signals from the water molecules inside your body. These signals are picked up by the machine and turned into pictures by a computer. Different tissues in your body give different signals, which is why the images are so detailed. The process is painless, but the scanner can be noisy, so earplugs or headphones are usually given. What to Expect During the Scan When it’s time for your MRI scan, you may need to change into a hospital gown. You’ll remove all metal items like jewellery, watches, or belts. If you have any metal inside your body, such as a pacemaker or surgical clips, you must tell the radiographer before the scan, as the magnets can affect these. You will lie on the table, which moves slowly into the tunnel. The radiographer will be in a separate room but will be able to see and hear you at all times. They may ask you to keep still or hold your breath for a few seconds while the pictures are taken. If contrast dye is needed to make certain areas show up more clearly, it might be given through a small injection. How Long Does it Take? The time for an MRI scan can vary depending on what part of the body is being looked at. Some scans are finished in about 15 minutes, but others can take up to an hour. This time includes getting you ready, positioning you correctly, and taking the images. If contrast dye is used, it may take a little longer. Is it Safe? MRI scans are generally very safe. They do not use radiation, unlike X-rays or CT scans. However, because they use magnets, they are not suitable for everyone. People with certain metal implants or medical devices may not be able to have an MRI scan. The contrast dye used in some scans is safe for most people, but in rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions. If you have kidney problems or any allergies, tell the radiographer before the scan. Pregnant women can usually have MRI scans if needed, but doctors may avoid them in the first three months unless there is an urgent reason. Who Does the Scan? An MRI scan is done by a trained healthcare worker called a radiographer. They know how to operate the scanner and make sure you are safe and comfortable during the test. After the scan, the images are reviewed by a radiologist — a doctor who specialises in reading medical images. The radiologist writes a report for the doctor who referred you, who will then explain the results to you. Common Questions About MRI Scans Will it hurt?No, an MRI scan is painless. The only discomfort may be lying still for a long time or hearing loud noises from the machine. Can I move during the scan?It’s important to keep as still as possible so the images are clear. If you move, the pictures may be blurry, and you might have to repeat part of the scan. Do I need someone to come with me?Most people do not need someone with them, but you can bring a friend or family member for support if it makes you feel more comfortable. They will usually have to wait outside the scanning room. Can children have MRI scans?Yes, MRI scans can be done for children. In some cases, young children may need a mild sedative to help them stay still during the test. Can I eat and drink before the scan?For most MRI scans, you can eat and drink as normal. If you need contrast dye, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. MRI Scan Wait Times UK Average wait times for patients to have an MRI scan in the UK (NHS vs. Private) Sources: Practice Plus Group, Get Scanned A Simple Summary An MRI scan is a safe and detailed test that lets doctors see inside your body without using radiation. It is especially good for looking at soft tissues like the brain, muscles, heart, and joints. The scan is painless, though you will need to stay still, and it can take from 15 minutes to an hour. After the scan, a specialist doctor will study the images and send the results to your doctor, who will explain them to you. If you ever have

What is an X-ray?

Seonat / August 12, 2025 / Radiology What is an X-ray? An X-ray is a powerful kind of light that goes through your body so doctors can take pictures of your bones and inside parts. X-rays are quick, painless, and usually done in a hospital or clinic. A trained professional called a radiographer operates the X-ray machine. The pictures taken are then looked at by a specialist doctor called a radiologist, who writes a report for the doctor who sent you for the test. How an X-ray Works An X-ray machine sends a small dose of radiation through your body. Different parts of your body absorb the X-rays in different amounts. Dense materials like bone absorb more X-rays and appear white on the image. Softer tissues, like muscles and skin, absorb fewer X-rays and look darker. You cannot feel X-rays passing through you, and the test is over in seconds. The machine captures the image and sends it to a computer or develops it onto film so the medical team can view it. What can an X-ray detect? X-rays are extremely versatile and can be used to detect or monitor a wide range of conditions. In some cases, X-rays are also used as a guide during certain treatments, such as checking the placement of medical devices or feeding tubes When would I need an X-ray? Doctors may suggest an X-ray for many reasons. It can help check for broken bones after an accident, look for infections, or see changes in joints. X-rays are also used to: Find problems in teeth and jaw. Look for chest infections like pneumonia. Check bone alignment after treatment. Spot certain tumours or growths. Sometimes an X-ray is the first test a doctor orders before deciding if more detailed scans are needed. What Happens Before the X-ray Before the X-ray, you may be asked to remove jewellery, glasses, or anything metal that could affect the image. You might need to wear a hospital gown if the area being checked is covered by clothing with zips or buttons. If you are having an X-ray of your chest or limbs, you will be shown exactly how to stand, sit, or lie down so the machine can take a clear picture. For some types of X-rays, a special dye called a contrast medium might be used to highlight certain areas, but this is less common than with other scans. During the X-ray The radiographer will position you so the part of your body being examined is between the X-ray machine and a detector or plate. You may be asked to stay still or hold your breath for a few seconds to avoid blurring the image. The radiographer will usually step behind a screen or into a control room when the X-ray is taken, but they can still see and hear you at all times. The process is quick, and you will not feel anything while it is happening. After the X-ray You can normally go home straight after the test and carry on with your day as usual. If a contrast dye was used, you may be advised to drink more fluids to help flush it from your system. A radiologist will review the X-ray and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will then explain the results to you and, if necessary, discuss any next steps in your care. Simple carousel diagram to show the X-ray scan procedure. Are there different types of X-rays? Yes — X-rays can be adapted for different medical needs: Standard X-ray – Most often used for bones, chest, and joints. Dental X-ray – Used in dental practices to check teeth and jaw health. Fluoroscopy – A moving X-ray that allows doctors to see inside the body in real time, often used during certain procedures. Mammogram – A special X-ray for breast screening. Contrast X-ray – Uses a special dye to highlight specific areas such as the digestive tract or blood vessels. Your healthcare provider will choose the most appropriate type based on your symptoms. Safety and Risks X-rays use a small amount of radiation. For most people, the amount is low and considered safe. Doctors only recommend an X-ray when the benefits outweigh the risks. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid X-rays unless absolutely necessary, to protect the baby. If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to tell the radiographer before the test. You can read more about X-ray safety on the NHS website. X-ray Scan Totals in the UK Total number of X-rays conducted in the UK between 2022 and 2024. From 2021 to 2024, NHS England X-ray numbers rose from about 16.8 million to an estimated 22.2 million. The sharp increase after 2021 reflects recovery from COVID-19 disruptions, with activity stabilising at high levels in 2023 and 2024. Alternatives to X-rays In some cases, another type of scan may be more suitable: MRI scan – No radiation, better for soft tissue detail. Ultrasound – Good for examining soft tissues and blood flow. CT scan – More detailed than a standard X-ray but with a higher radiation dose. Some quick key facts to take away X-rays are quick, painless, and widely used in healthcare. They help detect broken bones, chest conditions, and dental issues. They involve a small dose of radiation, with extra precautions for children and pregnant women. Available through the NHS for free, or privately for a fee. Different types exist for different medical needs. Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.

What is a CT scan?

Seonat / August 11, 2025 / Radiology What is a CT scan? A CT scan, short for computed tomography scan, is a medical imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. How Does a CT Scan Work? A CT scanner is a large, ring-shaped machine with an opening in the middle. You lie on a motorised table that moves slowly through the scanner. Inside, an X-ray tube rotates around your body, capturing images from different angles. The computer processes these images into cross-sectional “slices” of your body. These slices can be viewed individually or built into a 3D image, giving doctors a detailed view of internal structures. This is particularly helpful when looking for small problems that might not be visible on a standard X-ray. Why You Might Need a CT Scan? Doctors may recommend a CT scan for many reasons. It can be used to look for injuries after an accident, check for signs of disease, or guide certain treatments. For example, CT scans are often used to: Detect internal bleeding or organ damage. Locate tumours or monitor cancer treatment. Examine the lungs for conditions like pneumonia or blood clots. Help plan surgery or radiotherapy. Guide a needle during a biopsy. A CT scan can also be useful in emergency situations, as it is quick and provides detailed images that can be acted on straight away. What Happens Before the Scan Before your CT scan, the hospital team will explain the procedure to you. They may ask questions about your health, any allergies you have, and whether there is a chance you could be pregnant. You might need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewellery, glasses, or hearing aids, as metal can interfere with the images. In some cases, you may be given a special dye called a contrast medium. This helps certain areas of the body show up more clearly on the scan. The contrast medium can be swallowed, injected into a vein, or given as an enema, depending on which part of the body is being scanned. If you are having contrast, you may be advised not to eat or drink for a few hours beforehand. During the Scan When it’s time for the scan, you will lie down on the table, usually on your back. The radiographer will position you so that the part of your body being scanned is in the centre of the scanner ring. You will be asked to keep very still, as movement can blur the images. For scans of the chest or abdomen, you may need to hold your breath for a few seconds. The radiographer will operate the scanner from a nearby room, but they can see and hear you through a window and an intercom. The scan is painless, although you may hear whirring or buzzing sounds as the machine works. If you have had a contrast injection, you might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth. These feelings are usually mild and pass quickly. After the Scan Once the scan is complete, you can usually go home straight away. If you have had a contrast injection, the team may ask you to stay for a short time in case of any reaction, which is rare. Drinking plenty of fluids afterwards can help flush the contrast medium out of your system. The images from your CT scan will be reviewed by a radiologist. They will write a report for the doctor who referred you. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your care. Simple carousel diagram to show the CT scan procedure. CT Scan vs MRI Scan Feature CT Scan MRI Scan Technology X-rays and computer processing Magnetic fields and radio waves Best for Bones, lungs, chest, detecting bleeding Soft tissues, brain, joints, spinal cord Speed Quick – usually 10–30 minutes Slower – can take 30–60 minutes Use of radiation Yes No Your doctor will decide which is more suitable based on the area of your body being examined and the detail needed. Safety and Risks CT scans use X-rays, which involve exposure to a small amount of radiation. The amount is more than you would receive from a standard X-ray but still considered low and unlikely to cause harm from a single scan. Doctors weigh the benefits of the scan against any potential risks before recommending it. The contrast medium used in some CT scans is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions. If you have a known allergy or kidney problems, let the medical team know before your scan. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid CT scans unless absolutely necessary, due to the potential risks to the baby. Preparing for Your Scan You do not usually need to make major preparations for a CT scan, but following any instructions from the hospital is important. This might include fasting for a few hours before the test if contrast is required. Wearing comfortable clothing and leaving jewellery at home can make the process smoother. If you are nervous or have concerns about enclosed spaces, let the radiographer know — they can help you feel more comfortable during the scan. Understanding Your Results CT scan results are not given immediately unless the scan is part of an emergency assessment. The radiologist will examine the images carefully and write a report for your doctor. The time it takes to get your results can vary depending on the reason for the scan and how urgent your case is. When you receive your results, your doctor will explain what they mean and whether you need further tests or treatment. CT Scans in the NHS and Privately Within the NHS, CT scans are arranged by referral and prioritised based on urgency. Waiting times can vary from days to weeks. Private CT scans are available at independent clinics, often with shorter waits, but prices typically