How long do MRI scan results take to come back?

[mrspottasbubble]

Anyone know roughly this? I don't want to badger rheumy dept if they take a long time to read and write reports on.

If anyone knows then ta.

Can get results same day in theory but unlikely in practice

I've always been told two weeks for the report although it could be quicker.

I'd say 2-3 weeks, maybe longer because of the bank hols coming up.

A couple of weeks; I get the impression the wait it is due to getting specialist to interpret the results more than anything else.

Thanks everyone I will wait a while longer. Never even considered the christmas break would stretch it out longer!

It depends on the indication for MRI, which part of the body was scanned and staffing issues.

So if an MRI is looking for cancer then you'd expect it to be reported faster than one looking at a dodgy knee.

Specialist MRIs need specialist radiologists to interpret - rheumatology related MRIs need an MSK radiologist - generally a consultant - to report. Even in big university hospitals, there may only be 2 or 3.

Finally, MRIs rarely 'give the answer' and need to be interpreted in the context of the clinical history and examination findings.

Ah thanks for that hellomynameis That's interesting!

It was a full spinal and pelvic scans I had looking for evidence of any rubbish my psoriatic arthritis may have wreaked on my spine.

Obliviously I would be ecstatic if it comes back with absolutely bugger all showing.

I'd say in your case prob 2 weeks , but it depends on when they look at the report . Your Gp generally is emailed the results when they are reported.

As a rule we normal tell patients that results take 2 weeks. A radiologist will usually look at the images and make a report within about 3 days. This report is then typed and verified so another day or two for that. The report is then sent via post to your referring clinician (gp, physio, consultant) basically who ever it was who sent you for the scan. its then down to the referer to contact you to either give you the results or arrange an appointment for you In clinic. This is why it can take a while to get them. As your scan was for MSK I'd give it about two weeks and contact your referer to see if they have the report. :)