Exam Preparation for MRI

My doctor ordered an MRI. What should I expect?

Depending upon the exam, an MRI takes 30-45 minutes. You will be screened and your medical history will be gone over prior to the exam. The procedure will be explained to you and you will be made as comfortable as possible. It is important to remain still during the procedure.

Is it safe to have an MRI?

Yes, it is. MRI does not use radiation; instead, an image is produced using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer.

What precautions are there?

The MRI scanner is a magnet and therefore metal objects; credit cards; watches, bobby pins, and other metal objects cannot be brought into the room. We have wheelchairs and oxygen tanks that are compatible with the scanner.

Can anyone have an MRI?

You cannot be scanned if you have a cardiac pacemaker; metal in your eyes; aneurysm clips or cochlear implants. There are other implanted devices such as defibrillators and retinal tacks. You will be screened to make sure you are safe to have a scan. PLEASE notify us if you have had surgery within the past 6 weeks.

Is there any preparation for an MRI?

No, there is no medical preparation for an MRI. If you are experiencing pain or unable to lay still, we do suggest taking your pain medication 30 minutes prior to the exam. If you are anxious or severely claustrophobic, please ask your referring physician for a mild sedative to take 30 minutes prior to the exam. We do not provide on-site sedation. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment if you take sedation medication.

You will be required to change into our scrubs or gown for the MRI. Please remove jewelry, hairpins, barrettes, etc. as you will not be allowed into the MRI suite with any metal items on your body. All your personal items will be secured within our locked dressing rooms.