MRI Scan
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves — not radiation — to create highly detailed images of the body's soft tissues. It is especially good at showing the brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, the abdomen and pelvis, helping doctors diagnose tumours, injuries, inflammation and many other conditions.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most detailed scans available and does not use any ionising radiation. You lie still on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner while it captures cross-sectional images of the area being examined. Because it shows soft tissue so clearly, MRI is widely used for the brain and spine, joints and ligaments, the liver and other abdominal organs, the pelvis, and for detecting and staging many cancers. In some cases a contrast dye is given through a vein to make blood vessels, inflammation or tumours stand out more clearly.
International patients are supported by a dedicated coordinator who schedules the scan around your travel dates and explains any preparation. If you already have MRI images taken abroad, our radiologists can provide a second-opinion reading so you may avoid repeating the scan, and you will receive a clear, personalised cost estimate before you travel.
Who is a candidate?
- People with suspected brain or spinal cord conditions, such as tumours, multiple sclerosis or a herniated disc
- Patients with joint, ligament, tendon or muscle injuries that need detailed soft-tissue imaging
- Those being investigated or monitored for cancer, where MRI helps detect and stage tumours
- Patients with abdominal or pelvic symptoms affecting the liver, kidneys, prostate or reproductive organs
- People needing assessment of blood vessels or the heart without radiation
- Anyone for whom a radiation-free, highly detailed scan is preferred — including younger patients
What happens
- 1
Preparation
Little preparation is usually needed, though you may be asked not to eat for a few hours if contrast is planned. You must remove all metal items, and tell the team about any implants, a pacemaker, metal fragments or pregnancy, as these can affect whether MRI is safe for you.
- 2
During the scan
You lie on a table that slides into the scanner and are asked to stay very still. The machine makes loud knocking and humming noises, so you are given headphones or earplugs, and you can speak to the radiographer through an intercom at any time. If contrast is needed, it is given through a small cannula in your arm partway through.
- 3
Comfort and claustrophobia
The scan is painless, but the enclosed space can feel confining. Tell the team beforehand if you are claustrophobic — relaxation guidance, a wider or more open scanner where available, or mild sedation can usually make the scan comfortable.
- 4
Afterwards & results
You can return to normal activity straight away, and if you were sedated you will need someone to accompany you. A radiologist reviews the images and a written report is typically ready within 24–48 hours, which your treating doctor discusses with you.
Benefits
- Uses no ionising radiation, making it suitable for repeated scans and a wide range of patients
- Produces exceptionally detailed images of soft tissue, the brain, spine and joints
- Non-invasive and painless, with no recovery time needed
- Can image in multiple planes and, with contrast, highlight tumours, inflammation and blood vessels
- Helps detect, characterise and stage many conditions that other scans may miss
Risks & considerations
- The strong magnetic field means MRI is unsafe for some people with certain pacemakers, implants or metal fragments — always declare these first
- The enclosed scanner and loud noise can be uncomfortable, especially for people with claustrophobia
- Contrast dye (gadolinium) is generally well tolerated but can rarely cause an allergic reaction, and is used with caution in severe kidney disease
- Staying still for the full scan can be difficult for some patients and may require sedation
- Not always the best first test for bone detail or lung tissue, where CT or X-ray may be preferred
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Radiology & Imaging.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
MRI Scan — frequently asked questions
The price depends on the body area, whether contrast is used and how many regions are scanned. Rather than quoting a fixed figure, we prepare a clear, personalised estimate for you in advance so there are no surprises, and your coordinator confirms exactly what is included.
Often yes. If you bring or send your existing MRI images and report, our radiologists can provide a second-opinion reading. In many cases a recent, good-quality scan does not need to be repeated, which saves you time and cost.
MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, not ionising radiation, so there is no radiation exposure. It is very safe for most people, but you must tell the team about any implants, a pacemaker or metal in your body, as the magnet can make MRI unsafe in those situations.
This is common and easily managed. Let us know in advance — we can offer breathing and relaxation guidance, a more open scanner where available, or a mild sedative so you can complete the scan comfortably.
Not always. Many MRI scans are done without contrast. When contrast is needed, a gadolinium dye is given through a small cannula in your arm to make certain tissues, vessels or tumours show up more clearly. The team will tell you in advance if it is planned.
Most MRI scans take 20–60 minutes depending on the area. A radiologist then reviews the images and a written report is usually ready within 24–48 hours, which your doctor discusses with you.
Related treatments
Considering mri scan?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.