The Turner Diagnostic Centre is a flagship diagnostic centre, specialising in MRI scanning. The centre is situated at Colchester General Hospital, Essex. It is also part of the highly respected Alliance Medical Group, which is a leading European diagnostic and molecular service provider.

The centre offers a wide range of scanning services, such as MRI breast scans, pelvis, small bowel and prostate scanning, Ferriscan liver iron loading assessment MRI scans and musculoskeletal imaging. The centre delivers the best possible care and scans, thanks to the various scanners on site, including 3T and 1.5T scanners which are both wide-bore, offering space and comfort for patients who may be claustrophobic.

The Turner Medical Centre is the home to the only 3T scanner in the whole Essex/Suffolk area, and is able to accept paediatric referrals.

MRI scan - 1 area in Colchester

The Turner Diagnostic Centre

Essex, Colchester General Hospital, Turner Road, Essex C04 5JL

Price:

£550.00

(VAT free)

MRI scan - 1 area

This MRI scan of one area of the body provided by Alliance Medical to detect many neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. The test can be used for all areas of the body, and is especially useful for detecting soft tissue problems, such as with nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

What important information do I need to inform the clinic of before the scan?

If you have been referred to have an MRI scan, or you are choosing to book one for yourself, before you go ahead you should inform the clinic if you have or are experiencing any of the following:

You are or might be pregnant.
You have a heart pacemaker fitted.
You have previously had an artificial heart valve fitted.
You have an electronic drug delivery device fitted.
You have a cochlear implant.
You have had any surgical procedures on your head.
You have any metal implants in your body.
You have any surgical clips fitted.
You have had a capsule endoscopy.
If there is a possibility that you have metal fragments in your eyes, such as working with metal at high speed, or from an injury. If there is any possibility, an X-ray may be necessary as the MRI scanner emits powerful magnetic rays which can cause injury by moving metal fragments that are in the body.

How do I prepare for the MRI scan?

Before you arrive for the scan, the clinic will send you a set of questions such as those above, to ensure that it is safe for you to go ahead with the scan.

In most cases, it is not necessary to make any special preparations before the scan, such as changes to your diet or not eating in the hours before. However, if this is required, the clinic will inform you beforehand.

Do not wear jewellery or clothing with metal buttons or zips.

You may bring a friend or companion with you for the scan, if this helps you to feel more comfortable. Arrive in plenty of time before your scheduled appointment time, and bring your appointment letter with you.

What happens during the MRI scan?

After you have checked in at the reception, a member of the team will explain everything to you, make sure that you are comfortable, and ask you to fill out the safety questionnaire. You will be provided with a space to leave your personal possessions.

The radiography team will take care of you throughout the procedure, and be on hand in case you are feeling any discomfort.

A gadolinium contrast medium may be necessary to be injected before the scan, depending on the information that is needed. This helps the radiography team to see more from the scan if this is required.
The contrast medium usually either has no side-effects or mild side-effects, including nausea, itching, dizziness, and headaches.

The procedure consists of several scans lasting a few minutes each, with the whole procedure lasting between 15-60 minutes. The radiographer can see you the whole time, and is on hand to help in case you are feeling uncomfortable.

What happens after the MRI scan?

Following the scan, you can return to your normal activities without restrictions. There are no restrictions to eating, drinking, driving, or physical activity.

If a contrast medium was required, you will be monitored for 15 minutes following the procedure to check that you are not experiencing any side-effects.

The radiographer will examine the scans following the procedure, and send the results to your doctor or consultant in the days following the scan. Only your doctor or consultant can discuss the results with you, not the staff at the clinic.

What kind of scanners are available?

At The Turner Diagnostic Centre patients have access to an ASG Paramed MRI Open MRI scanner. This differs to the standard MRI scanner which requires patients to lie down for the scan, and instead allows patients to be seated or standing for the scan, depending on the area of the body being scanned. This is particularly beneficial to patients who may suffer from claustrophobia, have high BMI, kyphosis, or other conditions that mean laying down may be more difficult.

Procedures

Non-refundable product
You have 90 days to use the service
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