Prepare for Your MRI
Overview
Wear comfortable clothing for the scan. You may also need to change from your regular clothing into a set of scrubs. While we do have lockers, we recommend that you leave valuables at home, such as jewelry or a watch, so they don’t get misplaced. You may need to remove anything that contains metal, such as eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids, during the test.
Medication
You may take your daily medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
Patient Eligibility
MRI scans have been performed safely and successfully for more than 20 years. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves. However, MRI exams are not for everyone. If you have metallic/surgical implants or any of the following conditions please notify your physician or technologist prior to the exam to make sure an MRI scan is right for you. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Aneurysm clips in the brain
- Implanted spinal cord stimulator
- Inner ear (cochlear) implants
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes
- Metallic implants
- Pacemaker
Also, please alert our staff if you:
- Have dental bridges
- Wear a hearing aid(s)
- Have ever been a metal worker
- Are pregnant or think you might be
Should you have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
MRI scans have been performed safely and successfully for more than 20 years. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves.
However, MRI exams are not for everyone. If you have metallic/surgical implants or any of the following conditions please notify your physician or technologist prior to the exam to make sure an MRI scan is right for you.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Aneurysm clips in the brain
- Implanted spinal cord stimulator
- Inner ear (cochlear) implants
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes
- Metallic implants
- Pacemaker
Also, please alert our staff if you:
- Have dental bridges
- Wear a hearing aid(s)
- Have ever been a metal worker
- Are pregnant or think you might be
The magnet makes a slight rapping sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. You can choose to use our A/V goggles to watch your favorite movie or listen to music. Or, the MRI technologist will provide you with hearing protection, but its use will not prevent you from hearing the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.