1. Essential Screening Tests Every Woman Needs Slideshow
2. Men's Health Essential Screening Tests Slideshow

Author:

Lawrence M. Davis, MD

Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Typically, all metal and electronic devices (watches, jewelry, cellular phones, and credit cards) must be removed from one's clothing and body before the exam. This protects valuables from the effects of the MRI machine.

• Depending on what part of the body is being imaged, a hospital gown may be necessary. Clothing that has metal snaps or attached metal should be replaced with a gown.
• No preparation is needed. The only exception is a special study of the bile ducts, called an MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), in which case eating or drinking is not allowed for 2 to 3 hours before the test. For all other studies, refraining from eating or drinking beforehand is not necessary.
• A contrast (or dye) may need to be injected into a vein through an IV. This contrast (or dye) helps the doctor to see the inside of the body. The contrast is safe; severe reactions rarely occur.

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