MRI Scan

Depending on the type of exam, there may be a preparation period prior to the actual scan. In general, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any paperwork, including our Safety Questionnaire.

You will need to change into a hospital gown for the MRI exam. You should remove any metallic objects — such as jewelry, hearing aids, eyeglasses and wallets — prior to the exam. We offer secure patient lockers to store your personal items during the exam. However, you should leave most valuable items, such as jewelry, at home. Please refrain from using makeup and hair products on the day of your scan, as some contain metallic particles that can interfere with the MRI scan.

For some MRI scans, the use of a contrast agent may be necessary. The contrast agent highlights organs and blood vessels and helps the radiologist to better distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. The radiologist or your ordering doctor determines whether and how much contrast you’ll need. When needed, the testing team administers the contrast agent intravenously (by IV).

The contrast substance that we use during the MRI is gadolinium-based and is approved by the FDA. It is not the same contrast that we use for CT scans. Most people can receive this contrast without any problems. However, everyone who receives contrast and especially those with kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or gout may need to undergo pre-MRI blood testing. This is a specific blood test prior that ensures that the kidneys are functioning well and can tolerate the injection.

The MRI procedure typically lasts anywhere from 40 to 80 minutes. To conduct the scan, the testing team will assist you onto a padded, moveable scanning table. The team will position the table inside the opening of the MRI scanner. An experienced technologist will monitor you and the testing equipment throughout the study.

During the exam, you may notice a variety of sounds such as humming and thumping noises. This is completely normal and is the sound of the electric current passing through a series of coils in the scanner. Your testing team may give you headphones so you can connect your phone to the machine’s display to stream personal TV, movies and music. During the exam, it is important for you to remain as still as possible.

A radiologist will read the MRI results, usually within 24 hours or less. The radiology team then sends your results to the doctor who ordered the MRI. Your doctor will then explain the results to you and use the MRI to help formulate the next steps of your care plan.

For most people, MRIs do not pose any risks if the testing team follows appropriate guidelines. However, for some people, an MRI may not be suitable. Notify your doctor if you have or believe that you might have any of the following:

• Are or may become pregnant
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Implanted medication pumps
• Implanted nerve stimulating devices
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Any other surgically implanted or metallic object in your body

For safety reasons, the MRI environment must remain free of metal objects. Please remove the following prior to entering the exam room:

• All jewelry and watches
• Belts
• Cell phones
• Coins
• Eyeglasses
• Hairclips and pins
• Hearing aids
• Keys
• Removable dental work
• Wallet and credit cards

Learn more about MRIs through resources from the Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology:

• Body MRI
• Head MRI
• MR Angiography (MRA)
• Musculoskeletal MRI