Private MRI scans in Darlington
A nagging shoulder, a knee that will not settle, back pain that has outstayed its welcome. An MRI shows soft tissue, ligaments and cartilage in the detail those questions need, and in Darlington you can book one privately without going through your GP first. Search and compare online, whether you are near the market square, out towards Barnard Castle or over in Shildon.
Darlington private MRI scan costs
Prices begin at £195 for a private MRI, and the Scan.com network takes in a range of locations. A referral and a clinician consultation are built into what you pay. Run a search to see how the centres closest to you compare.
How do I book a private MRI scan in Darlington?
Search the map, or put in your postcode and the type of scan you are after. Prices and centres come back for you to weigh up. Choose one, fill in the short booking and safety form, and pay. From that point it is on us: the appointment, and the results. Your GP does not need to refer you.
Why book with us?
No other medical imaging network in the UK is bigger than ours, and it reaches hundreds of locations nationwide. No referral is required. You book online in minutes, hear from a clinician within hours, and have the scan within days. Waiting lists do not come into it, so when and where is your call. Results come through digitally for you to pass on to your own healthcare professional.
Preparation for MRI scans
There is not much to do before an MRI. Now and then you will be asked to fast for a period beforehand, though that is not the norm. Wear soft, comfortable clothes without metal fastenings, which rules out buttons, toggles and zips, and you may be handed a gown to change into. The magnets inside the scanner are strong and they pull on metal, so glasses, jewellery, watches, belts, wallets, phones and other personal items all have to come off before you go in. If you have an implanted device, a pacemaker for instance, additional preparation may be needed to keep you safe. You will be sent all the relevant instructions ahead of your appointment. Where contrast is used, a recent blood test showing your kidney function is required, because the gadolinium contrast agent leaves your body through your kidneys.
The procedure
The scan is run by radiographers, specialists trained for the job, and they go over what will happen before you start. A flat bed carries you into the doughnut-shaped scanner, where you stay still while the images are captured. How long that takes depends on the area being examined, from 15 minutes up to 90. If contrast is part of it, that is delivered through an IV. The machine makes a lot of noise. Music is usually on offer, and the radiographers keep talking to you over headphones.
How long does it take?
Between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of body areas being scanned and whether contrast is involved. The centre you book with, along with your clinician, will tell you what to expect for your own appointment.