MRI is an exam with no radiation: it uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs, joints, the spine and the nervous system. Precisely because of the magnet, the preparation includes a few precautions that make a difference for your safety and for the quality of the images.
Before the day of the exam
- Tell us when booking if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, surgical clips, prostheses or any electronic device in your body. Some of these situations need to be assessed by the team before the exam.
- Also tell us if you got a tattoo in the last year, including eyebrow micropigmentation. If this is not reported when booking, the exam may have to be cancelled and rescheduled.
- Tell us if you have allergies or asthma: this way the nursing team can contact you beforehand, in case the exam uses contrast.
- Pregnant women can have an MRI from the end of the third month of pregnancy, always with a medical indication.
- Have ready the original medical order, a photo ID, your health plan card (if applicable) and previous exams of the same area.
On the day of the exam
- Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
- Avoid oils, creams, moisturizers and makeup on the area to be examined.
- Choose clothes without metal parts. For some exams, you will change into a clinic gown.
- Before entering the room, remove all metal objects: phone, keys, watch, glasses, earrings, piercings, hair clips, hearing aids, cards and wallet.
During the exam
You lie on the scanner table, positioned by the biomedical professional or the nursing technician. While the images are taken, the scanner makes loud, rhythmic noises: this is normal.
The most important thing is to stay still and breathe calmly, following the team’s instructions. Any movement can blur the images and require repeating a stage. The exam can be done with or without contrast, according to your doctor’s order. When it is done with contrast, it is given into a vein, and the team explains everything beforehand.
Do I need to fast?
It depends on the type of MRI and on the use of contrast. The specific instructions for your exam are given when you book.
Informational content. It does not replace your doctor’s advice.
