How to prepare for an MRI scan

MRI preparation checklist — what to do before your scan

1. Bring the right documents

• Doctor's prescription (paper or clear digital photo)
• Aadhaar / valid photo ID
• Any prior MRI, CT or X-ray reports/films of the same body part — helps the radiologist compare
• Insurance card if claiming cashless

2. Dress for the scan

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes without metal zippers, buttons, hooks, embroidery or sequins
• The centre will provide a hospital gown to change into
• Avoid clothes with metallic prints or threads
• Bring a sweater — the MRI room is air-conditioned and can feel cold

3. Remove all metal

The MRI scanner is a powerful magnet. Anything metallic must come off before you enter the room:

• All jewellery — rings, chains, earrings, nose pins, bracelets, anklets
• Watch, smartwatch, fitness band
• Glasses, contact lens case, hearing aid
• Hairpins, hair clips, bobby pins
• Dentures, dental retainers if removable
• Belt with metal buckle, coins, keys, phone
• Body piercings (where removable)

4. Fasting — only for some MRIs

Fast for 4–6 hours before:

• MRI Abdomen, MRI Pelvis
• MRCP (biliary tree)
• MR Enterography (small bowel) — plus oral prep
• Any MRI with gadolinium contrast

No fasting needed for brain, spine, joints, head/neck, or chest MRI. See the full Can I eat before an MRI? guide.

5. Tell the team about your medical history

Always inform the radiology team before entering the scanner if you have any of:

• Pacemaker, defibrillator (ICD), neurostimulator or cochlear implant — these are usually MRI contraindications unless specifically MRI-conditional
• Aneurysm clips, prosthetic heart valves, surgical clips, stents — most modern ones are MRI-safe but date of insertion matters
• Joint replacement or orthopaedic hardware — usually safe but causes image distortion at the implant site
• Tattoos — some old inks contained metal and can cause skin warming
• Pregnancy — at any stage
• Kidney disease — if contrast is planned, kidney function affects gadolinium safety
• Claustrophobia or anxiety — the team can offer breaks or, if pre-arranged with your doctor, mild sedation
• Recent eye injury with metal shavings — needs orbit X-ray screening first

6. Plan your day

• Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork and gowning
• Plan for 1–1.5 hours at the centre (paperwork + scan + brief wait)
• You can drive yourself home — MRI has no sedation in routine cases
• If you've had sedation for claustrophobia, bring an attendant

What happens during the scan?

You'll lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. The technologist will give you a panic button to press if you need to stop, and headphones with music. The scanner makes loud clicking and buzzing sounds — this is normal. You'll be asked to stay still — even slight movement can blur the images. The whole scan takes 20–45 minutes depending on the body part. See how long does an MRI take for body-part-specific timings.

After the scan

You can resume normal activity and food immediately. The radiologist reviews your images and prepares a complete report — most reports are delivered the same day via WhatsApp or email, with hard copy available at the centre.