3T MRI scanner
At The London Clinic, we are committed to innovative patient focused technology. We are proud to be the first private hospital in the UK to offer the latest diagnostic imaging services with the new Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3T MRI scanner.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
For the support of diagnostics in speciality areas
Overview
The 3T MRI scanner works by generating a powerful magnetic field that is twice the strength of other 1.5 Tesla scanners. This produces exceptional image quality.
The scanner is used to support diagnostics in speciality areas such as orthopaedics, oncology, urology and neurology.
Our radiologists can better visualise small structures or disease within the body. Our priority is to provide the best technology and to make you feel at ease during your stay with us.
The Siemens MAGNETOM Vida is the first 3T MRI scanner with BioMatrix Technology. It is designed with revolutionary features to serve demands in high-end imaging.
3T MRI is the gold standard for specialities including orthopaedics and prostate imaging.
What is a 3T MRI scanner?
A 3T MRI scanner is a large cylinder that is open at both ends. You will lie on a motorised table that is moved inside the scanner.
You will enter the 3T either head first or feet first, depending on the area of your body being scanned. The radiographer will use a computer to operate the 3T MRI scanner, which is placed in a different room, to keep away from the magnetic field.
You will be able to communicate with your radiographer, usually through an intercom, and they can view you at all times using a television screen.
To ensure the images are not blurred, it is crucial for your body to be still throughout the whole of the scan until the radiologist tells you to relax.
One scan can take from a couple of seconds to three or four minutes. The radiographer may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds during short scans.
The MRI scanner will make loud tapping noises at specific times throughout the procedure. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being switched on and off.
You may be given earplugs or headphones to wear to help. Once the scan is over, your radiographer will move you out of the scanner.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
We are proud to use state of the art technology which supports speciality areas such as orthopaedics, musculoskeletal, oncology, breast, urology and neurology.
The benefits of a 3T MRI scanner include:
- A high resolution with an exceptional level of detail
- Each scan is tailored to you as a patient
- BioMatrix technology improves the overall quality
- Full free breathing during abdominal and cardiac exams
- High definition imaging of the prostate
- Detailed breast images to detect early changes
- Neuroradiology including spectroscopy, functional MRI, and angiography
Our priority when designing the 3T MRI suite was patient comfort.
The scanner offers customisable lighting and music options for a greater patient experience, ensuring you feel at ease during your stay with us.
When you choose us, you will have access to fast appointments. This can mean earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
If you’ve had a sedative for your 3T MRI scan, you will be asked to stay in the department until the effects have worn off.
Alternatively, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you to watch you as you recover.
It is not safe to drive, use heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.
The radiologist will send a report to your specialist consultant who arranged the scan. The consultant will discuss the results with you.
It typically takes 24 hours to 48 hours for the results of a 3T MRI scan to come back.
