Preparing for Your MRI Exam
If you have ever had a metal injury to your eyes or anywhere in your body, please inform your referring physician before your MRI. Additional screening, including X-rays, may be required for your safety.
If you have an implanted device, bring your implant card and tell MRI staff before your exam. Not all implants are MRI-safe. If you use any medical pumps or electronic devices connected to your body, please speak with your referring physician in advance to confirm whether they can be safely disconnected before your MRI.
To ensure your safety, a staff member will screen you again on the day of your appointment. Please be prepared to remove jewelry before entering the MRI room.
Head / Neck
- You’ll be asked to remove metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, as they can interfere with images.
- Hearing aids and removable dental work may also need to be taken out before your scan.
- Please leave all valuables at home.
Chest
- For Breast MRI exam, please do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your appointment.
- You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your exam.
- You will be asked to remove undergarments containing metal, such as bras with underwire.
Abdomen/Pelvis
- DO NOT eat or drink 4 hours before your exam. Medications may be taken with a sip of water only.
- Plan for roughly 2.5 hours for your MRI appointment.
- Your technologist will guide you and explain each step to ensure you are comfortable and well-prepared.
- For Prostate MRI exam, please complete a fleet enema prior to your appointment
Extremity
- No necessary preparation required.
- Please leave all valuables at home.