🤝 You're in Good Hands
Feeling nervous about your first MRI is completely normal. This guide will answer all your questions and help you feel confident and prepared. Thousands of people get MRIs every day—and most say it was much easier than they expected!
⏱️ Quick Timeline
Day Before
Check what to avoid
Day Of
What to wear & bring
At Facility
Check-in & screening
During Scan
20-60 minutes
Our experienced technologists will guide you through every step of your MRI
Getting your first MRI can feel intimidating, especially if you've heard stories about the noise or enclosed space. But with the right preparation and knowing what to expect, most patients find the experience much easier than anticipated. This guide covers everything from what to wear to how to stay calm during your scan.
1 The Day Before Your MRI
✅ Things to Do
Review Your Instructions
Read any paperwork or emails from the imaging center carefully. Some scans require specific preparation.
Check Fasting Requirements
Some MRIs (especially abdomen/pelvis) require fasting 4-6 hours before. Confirm with the facility.
Plan Your Outfit
Lay out comfortable, metal-free clothing (more on this below).
Arrange Transportation (If Sedation)
If you're receiving sedation or anti-anxiety medication, you'll need someone to drive you home.
Get Good Rest
A good night's sleep helps you stay still during the scan and reduces anxiety.
⚠️ Things to Avoid
Don't Apply Makeup or Nail Polish
Some cosmetics contain metallic particles that can interfere with imaging.
Skip Hair Products
Hair gel, spray, or extensions may contain metal. Wash hair if possible.
Avoid Alcohol or Sedatives
Unless prescribed by your doctor for the MRI itself.
💡 Pro Tip
If you're claustrophobic or anxious, call the imaging center and ask about open MRI options or anti-anxiety medication. Many facilities offer solutions to make you more comfortable!
2 What to Wear to Your MRI
The MRI machine uses powerful magnets, so nothing with metal can enter the scanning room. Here's what to wear and what to leave at home:
👕 Perfect MRI Outfit
- ✓ Cotton t-shirt or sweatshirt (no zippers/buttons)
- ✓ Yoga pants, sweatpants, or leggings (no metal drawstring)
- ✓ Athletic clothing (check for hidden metal)
- ✓ Sports bra (no underwire)
- ✓ Slip-on shoes or socks
Best Choice: Many facilities provide a gown. Wear comfortable underwear and you're all set!
🚫 Leave These at Home
- ✗ Bras with underwire
- ✗ Jeans (metal buttons/rivets/zippers)
- ✗ Belts
- ✗ Jewelry (including wedding rings)
- ✗ Watches
- ✗ Hair clips, bobby pins, barrettes
- ✗ Eyeglasses (if possible, wear contacts)
⚠️ Important: Body Piercings
You'll need to remove all body piercings before the scan. If you can't remove them yourself, tell the staff—they can help or reschedule if necessary.
This includes: Nose rings, tongue piercings, nipple piercings, belly button rings, etc.
3 What to Bring to Your Appointment
📋 Essential Documents
- • Doctor's order/prescription for the MRI
- • Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- • Insurance card (if applicable)
- • Payment information (credit card or cash)
- • Previous imaging CDs (if requested)
🎧 Comfort Items
- • Book or magazine for waiting room
- • Headphones (facility usually provides)
- • Music playlist (some facilities allow this)
- • Light jacket (MRI rooms can be cold)
- • Eye mask (helps some people relax)
🔒 What to Leave at Home or in Your Locker
- • Wallet (bring only ID and payment)
- • Cell phone
- • Keys (especially electronic car keys)
- • Credit cards with magnetic strips
- • Hearing aids
- • Dentures (if removable)
- • Medication patches
- • Anything valuable
Most facilities provide secure lockers for your belongings.
4 What Happens at the Imaging Center
Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect from check-in to completion:
Check-In (10 minutes)
- • Arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment
- • Present your ID, insurance, and doctor's order
- • Fill out paperwork (medical history, consent forms)
- • Verify your insurance information
Safety Screening (5-10 minutes)
A technologist will review a detailed questionnaire with you about:
- • Metal implants (pacemaker, artificial joints, surgical clips)
- • Tattoos or permanent makeup (may contain metallic ink)
- • Previous surgeries
- • Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
- • Kidney function (if contrast is needed)
- • Claustrophobia or anxiety
Be Honest: This isn't about judgment—it's about your safety. Metal in the MRI room can cause serious injury.
Change Into Gown (5 minutes)
- • Change into a hospital gown if wearing inappropriate clothing
- • Remove ALL metal items (jewelry, hairpins, glasses, etc.)
- • Store belongings in a secure locker
- • Use the restroom (you'll be lying still for 20-60 minutes)
Positioning on the Table (5 minutes)
- • Lie down on the padded scanning table
- • Technologist will position you for optimal images
- • Coil (antenna) placed over the area being scanned
- • Pillows and blankets provided for comfort
- • Given earplugs or headphones (MRI is loud!)
- • Receive a "panic button" to squeeze if needed
Important: Once scanning starts, you need to stay as still as possible. Even small movements can blur the images.
During the Scan (20-60 minutes)
- • Table slides into the MRI machine
- • You'll hear loud knocking, thumping, and buzzing sounds
- • Technologist watches you through a window
- • You can talk to them through a microphone
- • Multiple series of images taken (each 2-15 minutes)
- • You may be asked to hold your breath briefly
All Done! (5 minutes)
- • Table slides back out
- • Technologist helps you off the table
- • Change back into your clothes
- • Collect your belongings
- • Schedule CD pickup or discuss results timeline
- • You're free to go! (Unless sedation was used)
5 Managing Anxiety & Claustrophobia
Feeling anxious about the enclosed space is completely normal. Here are proven strategies to help you stay calm:
🧘 Before Your Scan
- • Ask about open MRI: Wider, less enclosed machines
- • Request medication: Your doctor can prescribe anti-anxiety meds
- • Practice relaxation: Try meditation apps or breathing exercises
- • Visit beforehand: Some facilities offer "tours" to see the machine
- • Bring support: A friend or family member for reassurance
💭 During Your Scan
- • Close your eyes: Can't see the tunnel if eyes are shut
- • Deep breathing: 4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 4 counts out
- • Mental distraction: Plan your day, sing songs in your head
- • Focus on sounds: Count the knocking patterns
- • Remember the button: You can stop anytime
💪 You Can Do This!
Remember: The scan is painless, and you're never alone. The technologist is watching and can hear you at all times. Millions of people successfully complete MRIs every year—including many who were nervous beforehand!
20-60
Minutes (it goes faster than you think)
100%
Painless (you won't feel anything)
Safe
No radiation, no side effects
6 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat before my MRI?
It depends on the type of scan. Most MRIs allow you to eat normally, but abdominal/pelvic scans may require fasting for 4-6 hours. Always check with your imaging center.
How loud is the MRI machine?
Very loud—like a jackhammer or construction site (80-110 decibels). That's why you'll receive earplugs or headphones. Some facilities even let you listen to music!
What if I need to use the bathroom during the scan?
Just squeeze the panic button! The technologist will stop the scan and help you out. You can use the restroom and then continue. Always go before you start to minimize delays.
Can I bring someone with me into the MRI room?
Usually, no—metal safety concerns. But they can wait just outside and the door is open. Some facilities allow a support person for pediatric or extremely anxious patients (after screening).
When will I get my results?
A radiologist reviews your images and sends a report to your doctor within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you. You won't get immediate results at the facility.
Is MRI safe during pregnancy?
MRI doesn't use radiation, so it's generally considered safe after the first trimester. However, always tell your doctor and the technologist if you're pregnant or might be pregnant.
What if I have tattoos?
Modern tattoo ink is usually safe, but older tattoos (especially permanent makeup) may contain metal. Tell the technologist—they'll monitor for any heating or tingling during the scan.
After Your MRI
What Happens Next?
No Recovery Time Needed
You can immediately return to normal activities (unless you received sedation)
Radiologist Reviews Images
A specialized doctor analyzes your scans in detail (24-48 hours)
Report Sent to Your Doctor
Your physician receives the official report and images
Follow-Up Appointment
Your doctor will explain the results and discuss next steps if needed
Ready to Schedule Your MRI?
Book your MRI at a certified USRad facility with transparent pricing and compassionate staff. We'll make sure you're comfortable every step of the way.
Call us: 1-866-USRad-24 • Mon-Fri 8am-8pm EST
