If you’ve been scheduled for an MRI scan, our Medical Imaging department will contact you with instructions and details about your specific test. In general, you can expect the following:

Before the Exam

  1. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam to complete a patient information form, or 5 minutes early if you have completed the patient information form in advance.
  2. Inform your provider or the imaging technologist and bring implant information if you have any of the following implanted devices or materials:
    • Cardiac pacemaker
    • Artificial heart valve
    • Metal plate, pin, stent, or other metallic implant
    • Intrauterine device (IUD)
    • Aneurysm clips
    • Nicotine or other medication patches
  3. Inform your provider or the imaging technologist if you:
    • Have a previous gunshot wound
    • Were ever employed as a metal worker
    • Are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant 
  4. Any metallic substance in or on your body could affect the quality of the diagnostic images or cause you discomfort or injury if placed in the magnetic field. Before your MRI scan, you must remove your watch, eyeglasses, jewelry, hearing aids, and any other metallic objects you may be carrying, including non-permanent dentures. Please wear loose-fitting clothing that is free from metal, including zippers, grommets, other metal decoration, and metal threads. You will change into hospital scrubs to ensure your safety.
  5. If you are uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces and need anti-anxiety medication such as diazepam, please discuss this with your provider in advance. If you take an anti-anxiety medication for your exam, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

During the Exam

  1. You will lie down on a padded table that glides you into the magnet. You will hear sounds similar to a drumbeat as pictures of your body are formed.
  2. You will be asked to lie very still during the 20- to 90-minute exam. At all times, a technologist will be in contact with you through an intercom system, as well as visually.
  3. Your provider may request that you receive an injection of a contrast agent to give a better picture of the area being examined. If contrast is planned during your exam, this will be discussed at the beginning of your appointment.
  4. Certain exams of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis may require you to hold your breath. The technologist will tell you if this is necessary.

After the Exam

  1. After the procedure you may return to normal diet and activities.
  2. A board-certified radiologist will interpret the scan and send a written report of your scan to your provider. If you have not received a report within one week of your scan, please call your provider to check on results.