The Advanced Imaging Centre
The Meriden Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-modality imaging unit, which is supported by our team of specialist radiologists. The Meriden Hospital has a Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5T scanner. It can provide extremely accurate images of the body, including 3D reconstructions. It can also acquire a greater volume of information without the need to reposition the patient and more quickly than on previous scanners.
For greater patient comfort this scanner is much quieter and patients have the option of having their own music played during the scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 
MRI is an advanced imaging technique which produces very detailed images to assist with the early detection of disease and can often eliminate the need for other investigations such as biopsies and surgical tests. MRI uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce images of the human body which are viewed by a specialist doctor (Radiologist) who interprets the results and provides your referring clinician with a detailed diagnostic report. To read more information regarding preparation and the procedure click here.

What are its main applications?

• Assessing musculoskeletal Disorders
• Assessing disorders of the brain
• Oncology - for the whole body metastatic evaluation
• MR - Angiography - a non invasive method of looking at the arteries

Can anyone have an MRI scan?
Some items inserted inside the body may mean that it is harmful or unsuitable for you to undergo an MRI scan.

Please seek further advice if you have any of the following:

• A heart pacemaker or heart valve.
• You have ever at any time had a metal fragment enter the eye.
• You ever had a shrapnel or shooting wound.
• You have undergone open heart surgery.You have had surgery to the head or a hydrocephalus shunt fitted.
• You have implanted metal work in any part of your body.
• You have an electronically or magnetically activated or attached implant anywhere in your body.
• You have a false eye.You think that you could be pregnant.
• You are currently breast feeding.
• You have a body piercing that you cannot remove.You have ever undertaken any welding or metalwork.

What is CT scanning 
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a special typeof x-ray test that takes 'slice' pictures of organs and structures in the body.

Each scan or slice is like a single slice from a loaf of bread - when all the slices are put together a 3D image of the body can be created. The number and width of the slices depends on the area being scanned.

The Consultant Radiologists can then see bones and tissue in great clarity and are able to diagnose diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and musculosketal disorders.

Sometimes a contrast agent is injected to help the Radiologist see certain areas of the body more clearly.

What are its main applications?

• Diagnosing cancer
• Diagnosing cardiovscular disease
• Assessing musculosketal disorders
• Analysing lung disorders
• Assessing disorders of the colon and abdomen
• Multi-phase organ studies e.g. liver and kidney
• Arterial phase scanning e.g. breast tumours, liver carcinomas
• Virtual endoscopy - a non-invasive alternative to angiography, bronchoscopy or colonoscopy (available only on advanced multi-slice CT scanners such as The Meriden Hospital's 64-slice model).