Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Last updated 9th April 2024
MRI Request
Can only be requested by Consultant by email to [email protected] or on OrderComms
- If patient >250kg, please also indicate abdominal girth
- Mention if kyphotic as sometimes unable to lie flat enough to fit in the head coil
- If confused or agitated then referrer to provide accurate history and sign consent form on patient’s behalf. NB Patients require to lie still for up to 30 min. If not possible, please consider alternative imaging.
- MR will not be possible if patient has been intubated, requires intubation or if under heavy sedation.
- Warn patient that scanner is noisy and claustrophobic.
- Indicate referring specialists telephone number
- Please ask patients whether they are willing to travel for their scans so we can utilise slots at Golden Jubilee and Nuffield hospital in Glasgow. This may result in patients being seen for their scan earlier than we can scan them in Dumfries.
- Willingness to travel is now part of the referral forms to be completed prior to emailing the referral to the MRI department (attached).
- All knee patients will now be referred to Golden Jubilee
- Claustrophobic patients must try a scan at DGRI first before a referral to an open scanner is considered. (Open scanner is not suitable for all MRI examinations) – Contact MRI Team to arrange a site visit.
Waiting Times
- Due to a steadily increasing number of referrals to the MRI department our waiting times have increased significantly.
- There is limited availability for scans between the hours of 8am-8pm Mon-Fri. Where possible, please make patients aware they may get an evening appointment.
- We have for a time been referring patients to Glasgow (see above) though some patients are unwilling to travel that distance and are happy to wait longer for their scans.
MR Scans Not Done Routinely in Dumfries
- Wrist
- Femoral/peripheral/renal angiograms
- Cardiac
- Temporomandibular joints
- Urograms
- Arthrograms
- Hand
- Elbow
- Humerus
- Sternum
- Thyroid
- Some paediatrics (RHSC Edinburgh)
Links
Content updated by Louise Cox