How to Prepare for Your MRI
How to Prepare for Your MRI: Tips and What to Expect
If you’ve been scheduled for an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, having questions or feeling a little nervous is natural. The good news? An MRI is a safe, non-invasive, and painless procedure that provides detailed images to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
In this MRI patient guide, you’ll learn how to prepare for your MRI, what to expect during the scan, and helpful tips to make the experience smooth and stress-free.
Why Is MRI Preparation Important?
Proper preparation ensures the scan is accurate and comfortable and helps avoid delays or complications. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions tailored to your specific scan type, but here are general guidelines every patient should know.
MRI Preparation Tips
1. Wear Comfortable, Metal-Free Clothing
✔ Avoid zippers, buttons, snaps, and underwire bras.
✔ Some facilities may provide a gown if needed.
2. Remove All Metal Items
✔ Before the scan, take off:
Jewelry and piercings
Watches and hearing aids
Eyeglasses and dentures
Hairpins or metallic makeup
3. Inform Your Doctor About Implants or Medical Devices
✔ Tell your doctor if you have:
Pacemakers or defibrillators
Cochlear implants
Metal plates, screws, or joint replacements
Surgical clips or shrapnel
Not all metal is MRI-compatible. Your provider may need to check the safety of any implanted device.
4. Discuss Claustrophobia or Anxiety
✔ If you're anxious about enclosed spaces, ask about:
Open MRI machines
Sedation or anti-anxiety medication
Bringing music or using headphones
5. Follow Fasting or Medication Instructions
✔ Some MRIs (especially with contrast) may require you to:
Avoid food or drink for a few hours before the scan
Adjust or withhold certain medications
6. Bring Relevant Medical Records or Prior Imaging
✔ Bringing previous scan results can help radiologists compare and diagnose more accurately.
What to Expect During an MRI
1. Arrival and Check-In
✔ Arrive 15–30 minutes early to complete paperwork.
✔ A technician will review your medical history and review the scan process.
2. The MRI Procedure
✔ You’ll lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI scanner.
✔ The machine makes loud tapping or thumping sounds—ear protection or music may be provided.
✔ The scan takes 20–60 minutes, depending on the examined area.
✔ You’ll need to stay very still for clear images.
If contrast is used, it will be injected via IV to enhance the visibility of specific tissues.
3. After the MRI
✔ You can usually resume normal activities immediately.
✔ If you received contrast dye, drink plenty of fluids to help flush it from your body.
✔ Results are reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your referring doctor within a few days.
Special Notes for Certain Types of MRI
✔ Brain MRI – May include sequences with or without contrast; can take 45 minutes to an hour.
✔ Spine MRI – Pay close attention to positioning for accurate spinal alignment.
✔ Abdominal MRI – May require fasting and breathing during image capture.
✔ Cardiac MRI – Often includes EKG leads and timed sequences for heart function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MRI painful?
No, an MRI is noninvasive and painless. However, you may feel slight discomfort from lying still or if contrast dye is injected.
Can I eat before my MRI?
It depends on the scan type. Some MRIs require fasting; always check with your provider.
What if I move during the scan?
Movement can blur the images, possibly requiring a repeat scan. Staying still is essential.
Can I have an MRI if I’m pregnant?
MRIs are generally considered safe during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. However, contrast dye is usually avoided.
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Knowing how to prepare and what to expect during your MRI helps reduce anxiety and ensures a smooth, accurate scan. Whether it’s your first MRI or a follow-up, following these MRI preparation tips can make all the difference.
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