Quick answer: for most MRI scans you can eat, drink and take your usual medications. Wear comfortable clothes with no metal, leave jewelry and electronics at home, and tell the imaging team about any implants, devices, metal fragments, pregnancy or kidney problems before the day of your scan. Some exams, especially of the abdomen, have their own fasting rules, so always follow your imaging center’s instructions first.
A good part of my working day is spent sorting out things that could have been solved at home: a forgotten implant card, a sports bra with metal threads, a patient who fasted when there was no need. This guide covers everything to do before your MRI, in the order you will need it.
1 to 2 weeks before: implants, devices and medical history
This is the step that can delay or cancel a scan, so do it as soon as your MRI is booked.
- Make a list of anything implanted in your body, with the year it was placed if you know it. The ones that always need checking include pacemakers and defibrillators, cochlear implants, brain aneurysm clips, and spinal cord or nerve stimulators. These are not always a reason to cancel, but the team must confirm the exact model is safe in their scanner.
- Find the device card or leaflet. Many implants come with a card stating whether they are MRI-safe and under what conditions. The scan cannot go ahead until the exact model is confirmed, so send this information to the scheduler ahead of time and bring the card on the day.
- Mention any metal from injuries or work. Shrapnel, bullet fragments and especially metal near or in the eyes. If you have ever worked with metal grinding or welding, say so. If there is any doubt, the center may take an x-ray first.
- Orthopedic implants such as joint replacements, plates and screws are generally not a problem, but list them anyway.
- Pregnancy: tell your doctor and the imaging team if you are or might be pregnant. MRI can be done during pregnancy, but it is usually avoided in the first trimester unless clearly needed, and contrast is only used when absolutely necessary.
- Kidney disease: if your exam uses contrast, you may be asked about kidney problems or need a recent blood test. See [link: Contrast and Kidney Function].
More detail in [link: Can You Have an MRI With Metal Implants, Tattoos or a Pacemaker?].
If you are claustrophobic: plan it in advance
Do not wait until you are on the table. If enclosed spaces make you anxious:
- Ask your doctor about a mild sedative before the day of the exam. It needs a prescription and planning.
- Arrange a ride home if you take any sedative. You cannot drive afterwards.
- Ask the center about their scanner. Wide-bore and open MRI units feel less enclosed, although open scanners are not suitable for every exam.
- Ask whether a friend or family member can stay in the room. Many centers allow it after a safety screening.
More strategies in [link: Claustrophobic in an MRI? 12 Tips That Actually Help].
The day before: food, drink and medications
Food and drink. For most MRI exams there are no restrictions: eat and drink normally. The exceptions are mainly scans of the abdomen and pelvis, where some centers ask you to fast for a few hours, or to drink a special liquid before the scan. Fasting rules vary between facilities, so check your appointment letter or call the center.
Medications. Take your regular medications as usual unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If your exam requires fasting and you take insulin or other diabetes medication, ask your doctor how to adjust it before the appointment.
Breastfeeding. If your scan includes contrast and you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor ahead of time. See [link: Breastfeeding After Contrast].
[TU EXPERIENCIA: una situación real (sin datos identificables) de un paciente que ayunó sin necesidad o que vino sin la preparación correcta, y qué consecuencia tuvo.]
What to wear
Most centers will ask you to change into a gown or scrubs anyway, but the right clothes make everything faster:
- Comfortable clothes with no metal: no zippers, metal buttons, snaps, underwire bras or belts.
- Be careful with sportswear. Some athletic and «anti-odor» fabrics contain metallic fibers that can heat up in the scanner. If in doubt, plan to change.
- Skip the makeup. Some makeup contains metal particles that can distort the images.
- Warm socks are a good idea: scanner rooms are air-conditioned.
What to leave at home (or in the locker)
Anything metal or electronic must stay outside the scanner room. It can be damaged, distort the images, heat up or be pulled toward the magnet. The safest plan is to leave as much as possible at home:
- jewelry, including wedding rings if they come off
- watches, smartwatches and fitness trackers
- phones, earbuds and tracking devices
- credit cards and hotel key cards
- hairpins, hair clips and metal hair accessories
- glasses (bring a case), pens and pocketknives
- removable dental work, such as dentures
- hearing aids (bring their case)
- body piercings (remove them before you arrive if you can)
Medication patches: some skin patches contain metal. Tell the technologist about any patch before removing it, and ask your doctor in advance if it is one you should not take off.
What to bring
- photo ID and your insurance card
- the doctor’s order or referral, if you were given one on paper
- your implant or device card
- a list of your current medications and any allergies, especially to contrast
- previous scans or reports of the same area, if they were done at another facility
- whoever is driving you home, if you are taking a sedative
If you have not checked your coverage yet, now is a good time: see [link: Does Insurance Cover an MRI? Prior Authorization Explained].
On the day: arrival
- Arrive early. You will fill out a safety questionnaire, and changing takes time. Your center will tell you how early.
- Answer the safety form carefully, even if you already gave the same information when booking. The magnet is always on.
- Use the restroom before the scan. Many exams last 30 to 60 minutes, and you will need to keep still.
Curious about what comes next? Read [link: What to Expect During an MRI: A Technologist Explains Step by Step].
Preparing a child for an MRI
Young children often need sedation or anesthesia to stay still long enough, depending on their age and the exam. If that is the case, the center will give you separate instructions, usually including fasting. Some facilities have staff who prepare children without sedation: they show them a model scanner, play the sounds in advance or let them watch a movie with special goggles during the scan. Ask whether your center offers this.
Your printable MRI checklist
Once the MRI is booked
- List all implants, devices and metal fragments
- Find the device card and send the details to the center
- Tell the team if you might be pregnant or have kidney problems
- If claustrophobic: ask about a sedative and a wide-bore or open scanner
- Check insurance coverage and prior authorization
The day before
- Check the fasting instructions for your specific exam
- Confirm with your doctor how to take your medications
- Arrange a ride home if you will be sedated
- Lay out clothes with no metal
Before leaving home
- Remove jewelry, piercings and makeup
- Leave watch, cards and electronics at home
- Pack ID, insurance card, order, device card and medication list
At the center
- Fill out the safety form carefully
- Mention any medication patch
- Use the restroom before the scan
Tips from the technologist
[TU EXPERIENCIA: 3-5 consejos propios sobre la preparación, en primera persona. Ideas: lo que más se olvida, lo que más retrasa las citas, qué preguntar al pedir cita.]
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat before an MRI?
Usually yes. Most MRI scans have no food restrictions. Some abdominal and pelvic exams require fasting for a few hours, so check your appointment instructions.
Can I drink coffee or water before an MRI?
For most exams, yes. If your exam requires fasting, the center will tell you whether water is allowed.
Should I take my medications before an MRI?
In most cases, yes, take them as usual. Ask your doctor if you are diabetic and need to fast, or if you take a medication delivered by a skin patch.
Can I wear a bra during an MRI?
Only one without underwire, metal clasps or metallic fibers. Many centers will ask you to change into a gown regardless.
Can I wear deodorant to an MRI?
It is generally not a problem for most exams. Some centers ask you to avoid deodorant and powders before breast imaging, so check your instructions.
Do I have to remove a wedding ring?
Yes, if it comes off. If it does not, tell the technologist; they will decide what is safe for your exam.
Can I have an MRI with tattoos or permanent makeup?
Yes, in almost all cases. Some tattoo inks contain iron and, rarely, can feel warm during the scan. Tell the technologist right away if you notice heat.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or imaging team. Always follow the specific instructions of the facility where you are scanned.
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