MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) Patient Information Leaflet - preparation and scan day instructions

Sep 17, 2026

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Leaflet explaining MRCP, a test using MRI to image the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas, and outlining safe preparation and what happens before, during, and after the scan. It describes how MRI works without ionising radiation, the need to complete an MRI safety questionnaire and contact the team for any YES answers, and medication guidance for patients with diabetes. It also covers implant/device checks, fasting for 4 hours, bringing an adult for children, scan room rules, noise protection, and how results are arranged.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

MRCP patient information

What is an MRI scan?

What is MRCP?

Preparation before your MRI scan

What happens on the day of your MRI scan?

What happens after your scan?

MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) Patient Information Leaflet This leaflet provides information about your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, how to prepare for it and what is involved. We have scanners across three hospital sites-University Hospital of Wales, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and University Hospital of Llandough. Please ensure you have read your letter and attend the correct site. What is an MRI scan? An MRI scanner uses a very strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the body. These images can be used for diagnosing a large number of pathologies and used to plan treatments. MRI does not use ionising radiation like x-rays, and there are no known long-term health risks. What is MRCP? An MRCP is a test to look at your liver, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreas. Is there any preparation before the MRI scan? The MRI safety questionnaire included with your appointment letter, must be completed prior to your scan to ensure that you’re safe to enter the MRI scan room. If you answer YES to any of the questions, it is very important that you contact us. MRI queries line on 02921 846990, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm If you do not contact us, this may result in delays on the day or cancellation of your appointment. Implants and devices must be reviewed prior to your MRI scan. Such queries can take some time to clarify so please be patient as this is for your own safety. Due to the MRI scanner using a very strong magnetic field, there could be situations where you may not be able to undergo your MRI scan. Patients who have had penetrating injuries involving metal to their body, especially the eyes, may need to have an xray before their MRI scan. This is to ensure there are no pieces of metal remaining. It is very important you arrive FASTED. You MUST NOT HAVE EATEN FOR 4 HOURS PRIOR to your appointment time. You can drink clear fluids. You should continue to take all your normal medication unless you are a diabetic taking insulin. If you are a diabetic using insulin please contact the MRI queries line on 02920 746990 before your appointment date. If you have diabetes we will try to give you an appointment earlier in the morning. Because you are arriving fasted you should not take the dose of insulin before your appointment time. Please contact your Specialist Diabetes Nurse if you require any further advice. Can I bring my children? We are unable to provide child care and your children cannot come into the scan room. Please bring along an adult who can take care of your child whilst you have your MRI scan if they cannot stay at home. What happens on the day of my MRI scan? Once you have been greeted at reception by a member of staff, a radiographer will run through the MRI safety questionnaire you have completed. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The radiographer will ask you if you are happy for the scan to proceed. Before entering the scan room all metal items need to be removed from your body and placed in a locker or left with a companion. This will include watches, piercings, jewellery, hair clips, metal plate dentures, coins, credit cards, keys and mobile phones. You may be asked to change into metal free clothing especially if you are wearing sportswear with metal threads. When safe and ready the radiographers will ask you to lay down on the scan table and a piece of equipment will be laid across your abdomen. You will be given either ear plugs or headphones to protect your ears from the noise of the scanner, which makes a loud, knocking noise when the scan is taking place. You will have a buzzer in your hand so that you can alert the radiographer at any point. Your abdomen will be positioned within the middle of the scanner. The Radiographers can see you at all times and can communicate through an intercom system. The MRI scan will last approximately 30 minutes. It is important that you lie perfectly s

FAQs

How do I prepare before my MRCP MRI scan?

Complete the MRI safety questionnaire sent with your appointment letter before the scan. Contact the MRI queries line if you answer YES to any question, and follow fasting instructions: do not eat for 4 hours prior, but you may drink clear fluids.

What medication guidance applies on the day of the scan?

Continue your normal medication unless you are a diabetic using insulin. If you use insulin, contact the MRI queries line before your appointment date, and do not take insulin before the appointment time.

What rules must I follow when entering the scan room?

Remove all metal items (including watches, jewellery, coins, keys, credit cards, and mobile phones) and place them in a locker or leave them with a companion. You will be offered ear protection and must lie perfectly still and follow breathing instructions.

Sep 17, 2026

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