MRI scan in China

What the exam is

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use X-rays.

You lie on a table that slides into the scanner. A radiologist reviews the images and writes a report for the doctor who ordered the exam.

What it is used for

Doctors commonly order this exam to assess:

• Brain and spinal cord
• Joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage
• Organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
• Blood vessels

This list describes how the exam is used in general. It is not advice about your situation. Whether you need this exam is a decision for a doctor.

How to prepare

• Remove all jewellery and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Some hospitals ask you to change into a gown, because some fabrics contain metallic fibres.
• Take your regular medication unless the hospital tells you otherwise.
• Rules on eating and drinking before an MRI vary between hospitals. We pass on the instructions for your appointment.
• You need to stay completely still while the images are taken.

What to tell the hospital beforehand

• Any device or metal in your body. Most orthopaedic implants pose no risk, but the magnetic field can make some medical devices malfunction.
• Kidney disease. If contrast is planned, the doctor assesses kidney function first.
• Pregnancy, or the possibility of it.
• Claustrophobia or anxiety. You can ask the doctor about a mild sedative, and you will need someone to take you home afterwards.

Limits and risks to know about

• Gadolinium contrast is sometimes injected. It is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast used for CT.
• Implants and other metal objects can make parts of the image hard to read.

How we arrange it

You tell us the exam, the body area and when you plan to be in China. We reply with the hospital, the appointment date and a written quote. After the scan you receive your images as DICOM files and the radiologist's report in English, with the original Chinese report.

Read the full process →