How to Prepare for an MRI Scan
The single most important rule: no metal goes into the MRI room. Follow this checklist and your scan will go smoothly and on time.
One-minute video with English voice and Hindi captions.
Bring With You
- Your doctor’s prescription
- Old MRI, CT, X-ray reports and films
- A list of your medicines
- Implant card, if you have any implant or device
- For contrast MRI: a recent serum creatinine report
Remove Before the Scan
Jewellery and accessories
Watch, chain, earrings, nose pin, rings, bangles, hairpins and clips
Pocket items
Mobile phone, keys, coins, wallet, ATM and credit cards (the magnet can wipe them)
Clothing
Belt, clothes with zips or hooks, underwire bra. You will be given a gown.
Others
Hearing aid, removable dentures, spectacles, makeup with metallic glitter, medicine patches
Tell Our Staff If You Have
- A pacemaker or defibrillator
- A cochlear implant, brain aneurysm clip or nerve stimulator
- Metal plates, screws, rods or a joint replacement
- A heart stent or valve
- Ever had metal pieces in your eye (welders, grinders)
- Pregnancy, or might be pregnant
- Fear of closed spaces (claustrophobia)
Many implants are safe for MRI, but we must check first.
Do I Need to Fast?
For most MRI scans (brain, spine, joints) you can eat and drink normally and take your usual medicines.
For MRCP, MRI abdomen and contrast scans, 4 to 6 hours fasting is usually needed. We will confirm when you book.
What Happens Inside the MRI
1. Lie down
You lie on the padded MRI table. The technician makes you comfortable and gives you ear protection.
2. Table moves in
The table slides slowly into the scanner. It is open at both ends and well lit.
3. Keep still
You will hear loud knocking sounds. Breathe normally and keep the body part being scanned completely still.
4. Done
Most scans take 20 to 45 minutes. You can go home straight after and eat normally.