What should i do before mri scan

Ditch ALL the jewelry. This means all jewelry has to come off, not only what you can see, and this includes belly-button or toe rings. Don't wear makeup. Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don't wear makeup or nail polish.

Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe. Let the doctor know about hidden tattoos. During MRI, skin or eye irritation — even first degree burns — can result when dyes in tattoos, even from tattooed eyeliner, heat up. Covering them isn't likely to help, and if skin irritation or burning happens, the MRI must be stopped at once to avoid a burn. Chill out. Because of MRI radio waves, some people report feeling a little warm during the procedure.

Your temperature may go up by a degree, but don't worry — it's not dangerous. You may have to do it twice. If you move during the MRI, the images will have to be taken again and the process begun again.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Medical tests. Home Medical tests. MRI scan. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. When an MRI scan is used The MRI scan is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue, such as: Tumours, including cancer Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments Joint injury or disease Spinal injury or disease Injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.

Tell your doctor about any internal device or implant you may have, such as a heart pacemaker, metal pins or a medication pump. Pregnancy — the affect of MRI scanning on a fetus is unknown. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant. Fasting — before undergoing a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan, you will be advised not to eat or drink for at least five hours before the procedure. In most other cases, it is usually not necessary to avoid food or drink prior to the scan.

However, be advised by your doctor. Claustrophobia — tell your doctor if you experience claustrophobia. Some patients find the confined space within the MRI scan unsettling. The doctor may offer you medication to help you relax during the procedure. Children — often children are given anti-anxiety medication prior to the procedure to help them relax. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this. MRI scan procedure Generally, an MRI involves the following: You will be asked to remove all metal objects, including wristwatches, keys and jewellery.

These items must be left outside the scan room. If you have tattoos or permanent makeup, ask your doctor whether they might affect your MRI. Some of the darker inks contain metal. Before you schedule an MRI , tell your doctor if you think you're pregnant. The effects of magnetic fields on fetuses aren't well understood. Your doctor might recommend an alternative exam or postponing the MRI.

Also tell your doctor if you're breast-feeding, especially if you're to receive contrast material during the procedure. It's also important to discuss kidney or liver problems with your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs might limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan. Before an MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed.

You will typically be asked to change into a gown and to remove things that might affect the magnetic imaging, such as:. The MRI machine looks like a long narrow tube that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tube. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with the person by microphone.

If you have a fear of enclosed spaces claustrophobia , you might be given a drug to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Most people get through the exam without difficulty. The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. The procedure is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you. During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping and other noises.

You might be given earplugs or have music playing to help block the noise. In some cases, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected through an intravenous IV line into a vein in your hand or arm. The contrast material enhances certain details. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions. An MRI can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour.

You must hold still because movement can blur the resulting images. During a functional MRI , you might be asked to perform a number of small tasks — such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions. This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions. A doctor specially trained to interpret MRI s radiologist will analyze the images from your scan and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss important findings and next steps with you.

An MRI is a very useful tool for helping your doctors see images of the inside of your body, including tissue that can't be seen on a conventional x-ray. Before your exam, it's very important to fill out the safety screening form carefully. MRI is safe and painless. But metal in the scanner can cause serious safety problems or reduce the quality of the images. Your health care team needs to know about any metal in your body, even a small shard of metal from an accident. Fillings, bridges, and other dental work typically do not pose a problem.

But other metal that has been put into your body might prevent you from having an MRI. That includes some pacemakers, clips for treating aneurysms, and other devices with metal in them.

A nurse may review your health history before your exam. You may be given medications or contrast dye or have blood drawn. Be sure to tell the nurse if you're pregnant, have an allergy to contrast dye, or have kidney or liver problems. You may not wear clothing with snaps or zippers in the scanner.

You will be asked to wear a gown.