01 / Overview
What are MRI and CT?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images; CT uses X-rays. The appropriate examination, body area and use of contrast depend on the clinical question. NHS patient information describes the examinations and their preparation. FDA explanation of MRI · NHS MRI information · NHS CT information.
02 / Timing & visits
How many days in Shanghai, and how many appointments?
Scan duration: NHS information gives a typical MRI duration of 15 minutes to one hour, sometimes longer, and a typical CT duration of 10–20 minutes. These are scan durations, not Shanghai appointment lead times or total stays.
Shanghai stay: No standard number of days is verified here. Confirm the provider's referral process, safety checks, scan date, reporting date and clinician review before planning departure.
Appointments and trips: Ask whether a clinical consultation is needed before imaging and how results will be discussed afterward. A scan attendance should not be presented as the whole pathway or as a one-trip guarantee.
03 / Preparation
What should I prepare?
Ask the receiving provider how it handles referral requests and which existing images or reports would help. Obtain the service's preparation and safety questionnaire through its appropriate channel. Tell the clinical team about implants or metal in the body, possible pregnancy, kidney problems and previous contrast reactions where requested. Do not submit those details on this website.
Ask whether contrast or sedation is proposed, what preparation is required and whether support afterward is needed. Follow the team's instructions; do not use a generic fasting rule from another examination.
04 / Costs
How should I understand the cost?
Ask for the body region, protocol, contrast if applicable, radiologist's report and clinician review to be itemised. Clarify image access, file format, report language and any translation charge. A price for one body region or scan protocol does not establish the price of a different examination. No MRI or CT price has been verified for this project.
05 / Beyond the appointment
Could I explore Shanghai while waiting for results?
A cultural stop such as the Shanghai History Museum could be an idea for a genuinely free day, if consistent with the clinical team's instructions. Do not book an onward excursion on the assumption that reports will arrive during it or that a result will need no prompt review. This project does not provide a report-monitoring service. Shanghai cultural heritage routes.
06 / Risks & onward travel
Risks, travel and points to clarify
CT involves ionising radiation; contrast can cause reactions. MRI requires safety checks for implants and other metal, and some people find the scanner difficult because of claustrophobia. Discuss these issues with the imaging team. More imaging is not recommended here simply because it might be available. NHS CT safety · NHS MRI preparation.
No scan-based safe-to-fly interval is established here. Ask the treating team whether the underlying condition, findings, sedation or other procedure changes your travel plan.
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose MRI or CT myself?
Discuss the clinical question with a clinician and ask the receiving provider about its process. This site does not select an examination or issue a referral.
Does a 20-minute scan mean I only need a short stop in Shanghai?
No. Procedure duration does not include local access arrangements, preparation, reporting or review. Those timings are unconfirmed.
Are same-day English reports available?
Not confirmed here. Ask separately about the signed report, images, interpretation of results, language and delivery time.
Will contrast be needed?
That is a clinical and imaging-team decision for the actual question and protocol. Ask about reasons, risks and preparation; it is not automatically included.
Can I fly as soon as the scan is finished?
This page cannot determine that. Ask whether the underlying condition, any sedation, the findings or other care affect travel; completing a scan is not medical clearance.
About this project and your next step
Shanghai Care Planning is an early-stage project with no hospital or practitioner partnerships yet. We look into your request and, where possible, follow up with a written quote by email. Nothing is booked without your go-ahead.
Considering a visit? Share your possible travel dates and practical questions. Do not include medical records, images or passport details.
Sources checked on 29 October 2026. Clinical review pending: the medical information on this page has not yet been reviewed by a doctor. The treating professional must assess suitability, preparation, follow-up and fitness to travel.