Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a highly-detailed diagnostic imaging test used to study soft tissues, organs and other bodily structures and systems. MRI is ideal for a wide range of medical purposes, including the diagnosis, assessment and monitoring of sports or orthopedic injuries, chronic joint pain, physical dysfunction, cardiac issues, neurological conditions and others, and as an adjunct scan for breast cancer in higher-risk individuals.
MRI is often the preferred imaging modality due to its ability to capture exceptional detail of soft tissues and bones using radio waves and a powerful magnet, so it doesn’t expose patients to ionizing radiation. This can be especially important if ongoing imaging is necessary to deliver and assess treatment.
Common MRI Preparation Questions
If your doctor or clinician has recommended that your health concern may benefit from MRI scanning, then you likely have questions about what to expect and how to prepare. Here are some of the most common questions patients have regarding MRI preparation.
What Should You Not Do Before an MRI?
Because MRI uses magnets to create images, it is highly sensitive to metals, which can distort detail and clarity. On the day of your test, do not apply antiperspirants, deodorants, make-up, body lotions, perfumes, leave-in hair products, etc. as they may contain trace metals like aluminum and iron oxides.
Remove all metal wear and removable devices, including jewelry, earrings, watches, piercings, step trackers, and the like, and leave them at home.
Removable devices like hearing aids will be collected before your scan.
Can You Eat or Drink Before an MRI Test?
Unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider, you are free to eat and drink as normal before an MRI. Certain studies may require you to avoid food and beverages beforehand, or to consume water. You will be advised before the day of your test if one of these less common situations applies to you.
You can take your medications as normal, but medication patches or glucose monitoring patches may need to be removed at the time of your exam.
What Should You Do Before an MRI Test?
Tell your referring clinician and MRI technologist if you have any implanted medical devices or metal implants, such as pacemakers, artificial joints or metal plates. Some people with metal in their bodies are still eligible for MRI, and some may do better with an alternate scan.
Prepare for your comfort by wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to change in and out of.
At RAO, we provide earplugs or headphones.
Ask your referring doctor if your MRI will require the use of a contrast agent. Tell your doctor and MRI technologist if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent in the past, or if you have a history of kidney problems.
Please inform your referring clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there may be a contraindication.
Will I Have To Change Into a Gown?
Because many clothing items contain metal zippers, snaps, hooks, clasps, underwires, metallic threads, etc. you will be asked to change into a gown. Your clothing and belongings will be stored in a secure locker.
What if I Feel Anxious or Claustrophobic?
If you’re prone to feeling claustrophobic or anxious in enclosed spaces, inform your healthcare provider in advance. Your clinician can discuss options for managing anxiety, or recommend the use of an open MRI machine.
What Can I Expect During the Exam?
You will lie on a padded table that glides into the round MRI machine. The area of study will be positioned inside the scanner. The scan itself is completely painless and non-invasive. The length of time the scan will take depends on the area being studied and the number of images being taken, and can range anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. You will be given an estimate before your test begins.
If a contrast agent is used, it may produce feelings of warmth at and around the injection site. The area being studied may also feel warm. The scan produces a series of rather loud tapping noises.
A nearby microphone allows you to communicate with your technologist at any time during your MRI.
Once your scan is over, you’re free to go about your day. Your referring clinician will contact you to discuss the results of the scan, and explain any applicable treatment options.
RAO for the Best in MRI
RAO offers high performance open MRI at our TimberRidge Imaging Center and high-field MRI at our Medical Imaging Center and Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks. We also offer MRI at our TimberRidge Imaging Center Heathbrook Pavilion as well. All four facilities are accredited in MRI by the American College of Radiology for safety and accuracy. RAO’s team of Board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors includes radiologists who subspecialize in MRI, musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology and other specialties, for the gold standard of care.
