MRI scan Covid safe?

the hospital especially the xray etc dept will take all precautions, just make sure you wear a mask sanitise hands on entering and leaving hospital, wash clothes when you get home,

I am sure that hospitals out patient areas are probably the safest places to be. My son-in-law has been going to UCH for treatment and says he feels really secure there.

I had various tests done during the first lockdown. When the protocols where new. I felt safe . Have it done . The staff at the hospital's take all the precautions and everything is cleaned. You might not get another appointment for 6 months or more. Surely if you are looking after your husband it's better to get tested in case you need treatment.

I would have it, DH has had several in the last year and in each case he said the department was very quiet.

I had radiotherapy every day for 3 weeks in December and not a trace of Covid. You must go appointments for MRI's are like gold dust and it is too late to offer it to someone else!

I had one in November. I was very glad that it was in a mobile unit and not in the hospital proper! I'm still here (and well).

I have had scans and other investigations during lock down - we all make our own choices, but I decided to go ahead with these investigations both before I had my vaccination and afterwards. We constantly have to weigh up risks and benefits, and whereas I don't go to shops, for instance, I decided the potential benefits of the investigations made it worth going ahead. I wish you well whatever you decide.

I cancelled my six monthly scan due late December till when after pandemic over or vaccinated. Cardiologist totally understood. My worry was that the scanner in constant use means I am inside with its roof just 6 inches above my face...for 45 minutes. I just didn't feel OK about it. Let alone having to go on public transport or share a car to get there and the travelling through the hospitals public areas to get to right floor in lifts etc. My instincts said no. I'll wait.

Its interesting. I'm one of those people who are frequently tested by ONS. And they ask questions every time...'have you visited a hospital? being one of them

I had to go for an ultrasound scan last week. I was hoping it would have been postponed due to COVID, but it wasn’t. I was so worried, and although it all seemed OK, I am now very aware of every throat tickle, etc.

I was assured that everything was cleaned and sanitized between patients, to which I replied ‘Isn’t it always?’. You’d think that was just general practice in a hospital!

If your husband is shielding, his letter will outline extra precautions you may choose to use at home i.e. separate bathrooms, plenty of space between you when eating, no hugging etc. etc.
We are constantly advised not to ignore other health problems as you may end up using a hospital bed for a condition that has deteriorated.
Radiology departments are the experts in these procedures, not readers of Gransnet (myself included of course).

I’ve been in hospital twice for operations August and September last year with subsequent follow up appointments. Personally I feel safer in hospitals than I do in shops.

I was like you when I had a apt with dental hygienist. I very nearly cancelled last minute. But decided to go. It was fine, there was 10 mins in between patients so they could clean/ sterilise . They had all ppe on. And I spoke to hygienist about my concerns. She was very sympathetic and reassuring. Glad I went.

I'll have yours Longtoothed! Mastectomy 3 years ago, I now have problems with other breast. Oncologist has requested urgent MRI, but doesn't know when that will be due to current circumstances. Please go - MRIs are an expensive commodity, and your doctor will have ordered it for a reason. I think they are very aware of the possibilities of infection and will have taken precautions.

It’s hard to know what to do isn’t it. My husband is having eye laser surgery this afternoon. Not life threatening obviously but he’s decided to go ahead with it as he has every confidence in the hospital to keep him safe. Do hope he’s right. He’s also got another more invasive urgent procedure booked for Thursday. He will be Covid tested tomorrow and then assuming that is clear it will all go ahead. We are both nervous but have to trust the hospital to do the right thing. Ps. We did cancel dental appointments for this week as deemed those to be non urgent. Difficult times aren’t they.

A friend had to have a scan last week.
She was pleased to see that the hospital has been divided into Covid and non Covid areas, divided by a door. They even had the lifts labelled so only one could be used by non Covid patients and staff.
I would guess that this will be the case in most if not all hospitals and quite honestly, do you really think that they would have patients go in and allow them to be in peril?

I had my yearly MRI at a big city hospital (so I assume there were Covid patients in there somewhere) but everything was so well orchestrated that it felt like I was having a private appointment. The receptionist had to ask a lot of questions about my state of health and because I am partially deaf and she had a mask on (no lip reading) we had to do it all in mime, so no talking! Even safer! Please go, but take all the necessary precautions - no personal belongings maybe just a washable shopping bag with you. Take a pen and a non-metal mask, use the hand gel, wash your hands and face when you get home, put your clothes in the wash. Let us know how you get on!

I think it depends how you're living your life currently. In my case I don't go out at all at the moment, so I wouldn't attend a non-urgent medical appointment either, as that would introduce a risk I don't have staying at home. But if you're still going to shops etc then I doubt going to a hospital appointment will increase your risk beyond that.

I don't think you would have been referred for a scan or any other hospital appointment if the hospital did not feel it was safe.

Hope your scan went well.

I have an appointment next month and certainly intend to keep it.

I usually get called in November to check my brain but it never happened. I had a tumour removed in 2005. Not that bothered as I've been ok for 15 years. Other things are a priority right now.

I had a ct scan few months ago was fine, I’m also highest vulnerable, felt very safe, was cleaned thoroughly between each person,

I would advise you to go ahead with your scan. It must be necessary or they wouldn’t be doing it.
I would also advise people to keep up with their dental check ups. I missed a hygienist appointment in the first lockdown. Fortunately for me the dentist had just reopened before I developed a nasty gum infection. I was told that something must have got stuck despite my careful regime with brushing and flossing. It took 2 weeks of antibiotics to clear it and I was in a lot of pain. Since then I’ve been back for further checkups and hygienist visits as had my DH. I trust my dentist and know he has my best interests at heart.

I'm afraid I agree with Casdon- It really is very selfish to have left it so late to decide whether you feel safe enough to go. It puts me in mind of why Covid 19 is spreading because people are only thinking about themselves and not the impact their actions have on others. I'm sorry if you think I am being unkind but there are so many people waiting for treatments and investigations that you really have no choice now but to go.

Good post Vickymeldrew!

Hetty. I have had hygienist and a dental appointment in the past year. I felt so safe because of precautions put in place. I even had temperature taken on entry. Dental health is very important and also dentists check for any changes in mouth and throat.