AN MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

Patients lie in a large tube that contains powerful magnets which can examine almost any part of the body, including the brain and spinal cord, bones and joints, breasts, heart and blood vessels and internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland.

MRI scans generally take much longer than a CT scan and provide much more detailed images of specific areas of the body as they have high levels of resolution for soft tissue.