MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a safe and commonly used diagnostic examination. It helps physicians detect tissue abnormalities, sports injuries, and neurological conditions with exceptional clarity. Although MRI is very safe for most people, following a few fundamental safety rules ensures your scan goes smoothly and comfortably.
Here are the 10 most critical MRI safety tips every patient should follow before and during their appointment.
1. Disclose All Medical Implants to the Staff
Always notify the MRI screening staff if you have any internal hardware, including:
- Cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators (ICDs), or pacing wires
- Cochlear implants or auditory brainstem devices
- Artificial heart valves, stents, or aneurysm clips
- Orthopedic joint replacements, plates, screws, or spinal rods
- Insulin pumps or programmable drug infusion ports
Many modern implants are MR-Conditional, meaning they can be scanned safely under specific scanner parameters, but your device make and model must be verified first.
2. Remove All Metal Objects Before Entering Zone IV
Because the MRI scanner houses a continuous high-field magnet, all external metallic and ferromagnetic objects must be stored outside:
- Jewellery, rings, necklaces, and body piercings
- Watches, fitness trackers, and smartbands
- Bobby pins, hair clips, and eyeglasses
- Dentures, hearing aids, and metal zippers/belts
- Keys, coins, pocket knives, credit cards, and mobile phones
3. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose athletic wear free from metal zippers, snaps, eyelets, or metallic micro-threading. Avoid underwire bras. If your clothing contains metal, the center will provide a clean hospital gown.
4. Follow Specific Fasting Instructions
Standard non-contrast extremity or brain MRI scans rarely require fasting. However, if your doctor ordered an Abdominal/Pelvic MRI or an MRI with contrast, you may need to fast for 4 to 6 hours. Follow your center's exact guidelines.
5. Take Prescribed Medications as Directed
Continue taking your daily blood pressure, cardiac, or thyroid medications with small sips of water unless your doctor explicitly gives contrary instructions.
6. Inform the Staff If You Are Pregnant
While non-contrast MRI is safe across all trimesters, notifying the team ensures they omit contrast agents and tune scanner energy levels for fetal safety.
7. Discuss Claustrophobia in Advance
If you experience anxiety in confined spaces, mention this when booking. Centers can offer wider bore scanners, mirror headsets, calming music, or mild oral anti-anxiety medication.
8. Stay Completely Still During Imaging Sequences
Movement blurs MRI images just like a moving camera blurs a photograph. Staying relaxed and motionless prevents the need for repeated sequences.
9. Listen to the Technologist's Intercom Guidance
Pay close attention to instructions regarding breathing holds (for abdominal/chest scans) and scan time updates delivered through your headphones.
10. Never Hesitate to Ask Questions
If you have any uncertainty about the procedure, contrast dye, or positioning, ask the radiology team. They are dedicated to your comfort and safety.