How to Prepare for Your MRI: A Complete Patient Guide
Proper preparation ensures your MRI runs smoothly and produces clear, accurate images. This guide covers everything from what to wear to handling anxiety and metal safety.
Before Your MRI Appointment
Most MRIs don't require special preparation, but a few simple steps ensure the best possible experience and images:
Timing
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment. An empty stomach isn't necessary unless you're receiving contrast. Use the restroom before the scan—you'll need to stay still for 30–45 minutes.
Documents
Bring your imaging order, insurance card (if applicable), photo ID, and any insurance authorization paperwork. Call ahead if you're unsure what to bring.
Medical Information
Inform the facility of any metal implants, pacemakers, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, or metal fragments from injuries before your appointment. This is critical for safety.
What to Wear & Bring
✓ Recommended
- • Loose, comfortable clothing
- • Sweatpants or joggers
- • Metal-free shirt or top
- • Non-metal slip-on shoes
- • Cloth or paper gown (if offered)
- • Socks (may be required)
✗ Avoid Wearing
- • Jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets)
- • Watches
- • Eyeglasses or sunglasses
- • Hearing aids
- • Belts with metal buckles
- • Metallic underwear or bras with wires
- • Tattoo ink with metal particles (rare)
Pro Tip: Many facilities provide lockers for your belongings. Leave valuables at home or in your car to avoid worry during the scan.
Metal Safety: Critical Information
Why Metal Matters in MRI
MRI scanners use extremely powerful magnetic fields (1.5 to 3 Tesla). Metal objects can:
- • Become heated by the magnetic field
- • Be pulled violently toward the scanner
- • Distort images and ruin the scan
- • Cause serious injury if they strike you
Medical Implants: Pre-Scan Screening
You must inform the facility if you have:
- • Pacemakers or implanted defibrillators (ICD)
- • Cochlear implants or hearing aids
- • Insulin pumps
- • Metallic joint replacements (hip, knee)
- • Aneurysm clips or stents
- • Spinal rods or screws
- • Metal fillings or orthodontic braces (usually safe)
- • Shrapnel or bullet fragments from military service or accidents
If You Have Implants
Modern implants are often MRI-safe, but this depends on the specific device. You may need:
- • An MRI safety card from your doctor
- • Special imaging protocols
- • Reprogramming of your device (if electronic)
- • A delayed scan (if your implant is very new)
Managing MRI Anxiety & Claustrophobia
MRI anxiety is common. The scanner is a closed, narrow tube, loud sounds are normal, and you must stay still. Here's how to prepare mentally:
Mental Preparation Strategies
- • Visit the facility beforehand if possible and ask to see the scanner
- • Bring music or audiobooks (many facilities provide headphones)
- • Practice deep breathing before and during the scan
- • Ask the technologist questions about the process
- • Request an open or wider-bore MRI if available
- • Ask about sedation if you have severe anxiety (discuss with your doctor first)
Know What to Expect
The Experience:
- • Table slides into a tube-shaped machine
- • You'll hear loud banging, knocking, and beeping sounds (completely normal)
- • You can communicate with the technologist via intercom
- • The scan takes 30–45 minutes with brief pauses between sequences
- • You won't feel pain or radiation
- • You can ask the technologist to stop at any time
The Day of Your Appointment
Arrive Early (10–15 minutes)
This gives staff time to verify your insurance, answer questions, and ensure you're comfortable.
Complete Check-In Forms
You'll be asked about your medical history, implants, and medications. Answer completely and honestly.
Remove All Metal & Change Into Gown
The technologist will guide you through the process. Store valuables safely.
Discuss Any Concerns
If you're anxious, tell the technologist. They can provide reassurance, music, or other accommodations.
Lie on the Table & Begin the Scan
Stay as still as possible. Communicate if you feel uncomfortable or need a break.
After Your MRI
Immediately After
- • Get dressed and return to normal activities
- • No restrictions—you can drive, eat, and work
- • Ask staff when results will be available (usually 24–48 hours)
- • Get a copy of your images (some facilities provide a CD)
Results & Follow-Up
- • Radiologist reviews images and generates a detailed report
- • Report is sent to your ordering physician
- • Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss findings and next steps
- • If urgent findings are discovered, the facility will contact you directly
If You Had Contrast
- • Drink extra water to flush the contrast from your body (24 hours)
- • Mild side effects like metallic taste are normal and temporary
- • Serious allergic reactions are rare but warrant medical attention
Common Questions Answered
Can I bring a family member into the scan room?
No. Only medical staff are allowed in the scanner room during the procedure. However, they can be nearby and monitor you via the intercom.
How much does an MRI cost?
Self-pay MRI typically ranges $400–$800 depending on the facility and type of scan. Always ask for a price estimate before scheduling.
Will I be sedated?
Not automatically. Light sedation is available for anxious patients, but requires your doctor's approval and adds cost. Ask about this if you're nervous.
How will I get my results?
Results are typically sent to your ordering physician within 24–48 hours. You can request a CD of your images or a patient-friendly summary.
Ready to Schedule Your MRI?
Get your imaging order from a licensed provider online, then schedule at your preferred facility.
Request Your MRI Order