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 - 3 areas in Colchester

The Turner Diagnostic Centre

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

Price:

£1,190.00

(VAT free)

MRI scan - 3 areas

A powerful magnetic field is used to produce detailed images of the body during an MRI scan, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, which is used to diagnose a variety of neurological and musculoskeletal problems, particularly those affecting the muscles and ligaments. Alliance Medical operates the The Turner Diagnostic Centre, where the MRI scan is performed.

What details should I share with the clinic prior to the appointment?

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?

The clinic will send you a list of questions, like the ones above, before you arrive for the scan to ensure it is safe for you to proceed. 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.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, you are welcome to bring a friend or companion with you for the scan. Bring your appointment letter with you and arrive well before your specified appointment time.

What should I wear for the appointment?

Do not wear jewellery of any kind or clothing with metal buttons or zips.
Do not wear a watch for the appointment.

What happens during the MRI scan appointment?

Firstly, please check in at reception and a member of staff will explain the procedure to you, and ask you to complete the patient safety questionnaire to ensure that you are safe to go ahead with the scan.

The radiography team will take care of you throughout the procedure, and be on hand in case you are feeling any discomfort. You may be required to change into a gown. You will be provided with a space to change and to leave any valuables you may have with you.

Depending on the information required from the scan, it may be necessary to inject a gadolinium contrast medium prior to the scan. This enables the radiography team to see more clearly inside your body and the way that blood is flowing. The adverse effects of the contrast medium are typically either nonexistent or minimal and can include headaches, nausea, disorientation, and itchiness.

The entire procedure takes between 15 to 60 minutes and consists of numerous scans that last a few minutes each. The radiographer is able to observe you the entire time and is on hand to assist if you feel uneasy.

What happens after the MRI scan?

Following the scan, you can return to your normal activities. 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, and that you feel well.

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 scanner is used?

At Alliance Medical The Turner Diagnostic Centre, a ASG Paramed MRI Open scanner is used, allowing patients easier access to the scanner, without the need to lie down for the procedure.

Procedures

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