What to Expect at Your MRI Appointment

What happens during an MRI scan

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. You lie on a flat table that slides into a large tube-shaped machine. The machine makes loud knocking and buzzing sounds while it takes images — this is normal and means it's working. The scan itself is painless, though you'll need to stay very still for 15 to 45 minutes depending on which part of your body is being scanned.

Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use radiation. It's particularly good at showing soft tissues like muscles, organs, and the brain. Your doctor ordered this scan because they need to see something that other imaging wouldn't show as clearly. The radiologist (the doctor who specializes in reading imaging) will review the images and send a report to your doctor within a few days.

Key Takeaways

• Tell the MRI staff about any metal implants, pacemakers, or metal fragments in your body before the scan, because the magnetic field can interfere with them or cause injury.
• Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing or change into a hospital gown; remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and anything with metal clasps or zippers.
• The machine is loud and enclosed, so let the technician know if you feel anxious in tight spaces — they can give you a panic button and keep you calm through a speaker.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork and allow time for the technician to answer questions about metal in your body or medical devices.
• You can usually eat and drink normally before an MRI unless your doctor says otherwise, and you can drive yourself home afterward unless you received sedation.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your insurance card and photo ID. If your doctor gave you an order or requisition form, bring that too — it tells the imaging center what part of your body needs to be scanned and why. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal: no underwire bras, no jeans with metal buttons, no shirts with metal snaps. If you're not sure whether your clothes have metal, wear something you can easily change out of.

You do not need to fast or avoid food before an MRI unless your doctor specifically told you to. However, if you're getting an MRI of your abdomen, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand — ask when you schedule. If you take regular medications, take them as usual unless told otherwise. Arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so the staff has time to go through the safety questions and get you settled.

Metal and medical devices: what you must tell the staff

The magnetic field in an MRI machine is very strong. Metal objects can heat up, move, or interfere with the images. Before your scan, you'll fill out a form asking about metal in your body. Answer every question honestly, even if you think something might not matter. Tell the technician about:

• Pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or other heart devices
• Metal implants like hip replacements, knee replacements, or spinal rods
• Metal fragments in your eyes from old injuries or work accidents
• Cochlear implants or metal hearing aids
• Insulin pumps or other electronic devices
• Tattoos with metallic ink (rare, but the staff needs to know)
• Permanent eyeliner or eyebrow tattoos with metallic pigment
• Shrapnel or bullets from old injuries

Some metal implants are MRI-safe, and some are not. If you have any implant, bring the card or paperwork that came with it — it will say whether the device is safe for MRI. If you don't have the paperwork, tell the technician the brand and model, and they can look it up. If your device is not MRI-safe, your doctor will order a different type of imaging instead.

What the machine feels and sounds like

The MRI machine is a large tube, roughly the width of a car tunnel. You lie on your back on a padded table that slides into the tube. Your head, chest, or legs may be inside the tube depending on what's being scanned. The space is tight but not claustrophobic for most people — you can see out the end of the tube, and the technician can see and hear you the whole time through a camera and speaker system.

The machine makes loud, repetitive knocking and buzzing sounds. These sounds are the magnetic coils switching on and off as they create the images. The noise can be startling the first time you hear it, but it's completely normal. Many imaging centers offer earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, tell the technician before the scan starts. They can give you a panic button to press if you need to stop, and they can talk to you through the speaker to keep you calm.

How long the appointment takes

Plan to be at the imaging center for 30 to 60 minutes total. The actual scan usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on which part of your body is being imaged and how many images the radiologist needs. Before the scan, you'll spend 10 to 15 minutes checking in, filling out the safety form, and changing into a gown if needed. After the scan, you can usually get dressed and leave right away.

If your doctor ordered an MRI with contrast (a special dye injected into your vein to make certain tissues show up more clearly), add another 10 to 15 minutes for the injection and an extra 5 to 10 minutes of scanning time. The contrast is safe for most people, but tell the staff if you have kidney problems or a history of allergic reactions to contrast dye.

What happens after your scan

You can go back to your normal activities right away. You can eat, drink, and drive unless you received sedation (which is rare for MRI). The radiologist will review your images and write a report, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor's office will contact you with the results, or you can call them to ask when the report is ready.

If contrast dye was used, drink extra water for the rest of the day to help flush it from your body. Some people feel slightly tired or have a mild headache after contrast, but this is uncommon and passes quickly. If you have any unusual symptoms after your scan — severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction — call your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Anxiety and claustrophobia: what you can do

If you're nervous about being in an enclosed space, tell the imaging center when you schedule your appointment. Many centers can arrange an open or wide-bore MRI machine, which has a larger opening and feels less confining. Some centers also offer a shorter scan time or allow a family member to stay in the room with you.

On the day of your appointment, arrive early so you have time to talk with the technician. They can show you the machine, explain what will happen step by step, and give you the panic button before you go in. Taking slow, deep breaths during the scan helps. Some people find it helpful to focus on the sounds the machine makes or to count them. If you feel panicked during the scan, press the panic button — the technician will stop the machine and slide you out immediately. You can take a break, calm down, and start again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my glasses or contacts during an MRI?

Remove your glasses before the scan because the frames may contain metal. If you wear contacts, you can keep them in — they're made of plastic and won't be affected by the magnetic field. However, if you can't see well without glasses, tell the technician so they can position you carefully and make sure you're comfortable.

What if I have a tattoo?

Most tattoos are safe for MRI. The ink is usually not magnetic. However, some older tattoos or permanent makeup may contain metallic pigments. If you have a tattoo, mention it to the staff. They may ask where it is and may monitor that area during the scan. If the area feels warm or uncomfortable, tell the technician immediately.

Can I bring someone into the scanning room with me?

Usually no — the magnetic field is strong enough to affect metal in clothing and jewelry, so only the patient and the technician (who wears non-metal clothing) are in the room during the scan. However, a family member can wait in the reception area and be there when you come out. If you have severe anxiety, ask the center whether they can arrange an exception or use a wide-bore machine instead.

Will the MRI show everything my doctor is looking for?

MRI is very good at showing soft tissues, but it's not the right tool for every condition. Your doctor chose MRI because it's the best way to see what they're concerned about. If the images don't show what your doctor expected, they may order additional imaging or tests. The radiologist's report will explain what was found and what it means.

What if I'm pregnant?

Tell your doctor and the imaging center if you're pregnant or think you might be. MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy because it doesn't use radiation, but your doctor may want to wait until the second or third trimester unless the scan is urgent. The imaging center will discuss the risks and benefits with you before proceeding.