MedTel Ltd is delighted to announce that in partnership with Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC ), we are opening a Clinical Diagnostic 3T MRI Service. The Scanner is a state of the art GE Signa 3T HDx

WHAT IS 3T MRI?
MRI is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and computer to produce very detailed images of the human body. Unlike X-rays it does not use ionising radiation and there are no known after effects.

3T MRI is high field MRI imaging that offers advanced imaging applications and capabilities beyond that of and complementary to conventional MRI imaging carried out at 1.5T. The images produced are very detailed and of a higher resolution than conventional MRI scanners. This can lead to a better diagnosis and safer treatment of patients.

It can be used to scan the structure of the brain, ligaments and muscles known as musculo-skeletal imaging, joint surfaces, cartilage, the breast and pelvic areas.

In addition to these areas it can give superior imaging quality for gynaecological and rectal conditions as well as proving extremely beneficial for the diagnosis of sports related injuries particularly those associated with smaller joint areas such as hands, wrists, feet and ankles.

3T Imaging also means that the amount of time taken in the scanner to produce the images is normally reduced to that of a lower field scanner.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS:

The 3 steps to your MRI scan with MEDTEL's 3T MRI Scanner.

1. Referral Letter
The first step towards arranging for a scan with MEDTEL's 3T MRI scanner is a visit and consultation with your medical practitioner.

This may be with your Consultant, GP, Medico-legal Advisor, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or Osteopath.

A faxed or posted referral letter from one of the above practitioners is needed to access our services.

2. Health Insurance
We are affiliated with most of the major health insurance providers:
If you have cover, please obtain an authorisation code for your scan and bring this with you on the day of the scan.

3. Payment Methods
For patients choosing the option to self-pay, we need to accept payment from you prior to you attending for your scan, by either credit card or cheque.

4. Scan Results
One of our Consultant Radiologists will study the images produced and provide a detailed diagnostic report to the doctor or clinician who sent you for the scan, usually within 24 hours of your scan giving you a fast track service to your results.

5. Patient Service
MedTel/CUBRIC's excellent service standards to you as a patient are vitally important and we will ensure that they are maintained from the making of the appointment, your visit to our facilities, the actual scan and the reporting of the results.

For further information and all patient 3T MRI Scan enquiries please contact us on 0800 028 2248 or download our Patient Information Brochure. 

INFORMATION FOR REFERRING CLINICIANS
Benefits of 3T MRI Imaging:

• Increased sensitivity and higher signal to noise (SNR) allowing demonstration and evaluation of finer structures and vessels. 
• Joint surfaces, cartilage, ligaments and muscles are seen in greater detail.
• Enables scans where necessary to be carried out with below single millimetre slice thicknesses to evaluate smaller structures of certain nerves. 
• Provides superior detection and characterisation of structural brain abnormalities in patients with focal epilepsy or demyelinating conditions than 1.5T images. 
• Provides additional information on the mapping of pathways within the brain and functional imaging. 
• Musculo-skeletal imaging is achieved with far greater resolution for examinations such as cartilage mapping and evaluation as well as smaller joint studies such as hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
  • Superior imaging is also achieved for specialist diagnosis of gynaecological, rectal and prostatic conditions. Excellent images produced enhancing the detection of sports related injuries.
  Referral Procedure:
  To refer patients to, or enquire about, our 3T service, please contact our clerical staff at our Cardiff Gate Open MRI offices on 0800 028 2248 where we will be coordinating bookings and administration.
  We will be happy to supply you with a pack of Referral forms which can be completed prior to your patients scan and faxed to our offices on 02920 735262 . We will then contact the patient immediately and arrange for a suitably convenient appointment and provide them with all the important information about the scan procedure and answer any questions they may have.
  Following the patient's scan the images will be reported by our team of Radiologists and the results of the scan together with a CD of the images will be forwarded to you within 24 hours giving you a very prompt opportunity to analyse the results and discuss with the patient. 

Location & Directions
Address: Cardiff University Cubric Extension, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT
  
CUBRIC is located in Park Place alongside the School of Psychology and behind the Security Building. The CUBRIC entrance is located at the rear of the Security Building and can be accessed via the lane which runs from Park Place between the Psychology and Security Building. Please see details on map shown below.

However, if you are experiencing difficulties in locating the building, please contact our receptionists on 0800 028 2248, who will be able to assist with directions.
 
Public Transport
CUBRIC is located conveniently close to Cathays Railway Station. There is a regular train service between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Queen Street Station to Cathays. There is also a bus service from Cardiff Central Bus Station to Park Place, Cathays.

Car Parking
There are two Car Parking spaces available for 3T patients immediately outside CUBRIC, but should these be unavailable, there is a meter scheme operating on Park Place. These meters are in numerous places along Park Place and parking is free after 18:00 hours. There are also several short and long stay public car parks located close to the University.