Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (cont.)

Medical Author:

Lawrence M Davis, MD

Coauthor:

Lisa Davis, MA

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jonathan Adler, MD

MRI Preparation

Typically, all metal and electronic devices (eg, watches, jewelry, cellular phones, 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 2-3 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.