Yes, you usually have to take most of your clothes off for an MRI and change into a hospital gown because the powerful magnets require removing all metal items, including zippers, underwires, and even metal threads in some athletic wear, to prevent burns or image interference; you'll keep your underwear (if metal-free), socks (or disposable coverings), and sometimes a t-shirt on, but valuables and metal accessories must be left out.
Often, patients can keep their clothes on instead of changing into a gown, so you may opt for your comfy yoga pants and a workout top or sweats. But what you wear during an MRI actually matters a lot. There have been occasional reports of people experiencing second-degree burns, redness, and blistering after an MRI.
Clothing that is unsafe to wear during your scan includes: • clothing with metal fastenings and fibres • bras with metal wires and fastenings • sportswear with anti-microbial properties • period/incontinence underwear. Disposable equivalents to period/incontinence underwear are safe to wear for your scan.
It is perfectly safe for you to have an MRI scan with us while you are on your period and there is no requirement to discuss this with your radiographer. Sanitary pads, tampons, silicone period cups and discs are all fine to wear during your scan.
Watches and belts will always have to be removed. For women, most exams require that the bra is removed because of the under wire and hooks. Sports bras are recommended. Pants or shorts with buttons and zippers have to be removed for most (not all) exams.
Proper preparation ensures that the MRI images are clear and free from distortions. Eating or drinking before certain types of MRIs can introduce variables, such as movement in the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of fluids, that may compromise the scan's accuracy.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
So, for imaging areas such as the knee, ankle and foot, you go in feet first and most people will have their head outside of a traditional closed scanner. For areas being imaged such as the head, neck, breast and abdominal area, you go in head first.
Tips for Staying Calm and Managing Claustrophobia During an MRI
Does your whole body go into the machine for a brain MRI? In most cases, your whole body won't go into the MRI machine tunnel if you're only getting a head or brain MRI.
During the scan
You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear to help you feel more comfortable. You're usually able to listen to music through headphones during the scan if you want to, and in some cases you can bring your own CD.
Greasy foods should be avoided even if you aren't required to fast because they can upset your stomach and make it difficult for you to lie still. Avoiding caffeine-filled drinks will also help you remain still for the duration of your MRI.
You Can Have Metal Fillings and Get an MRI!
MRI magnets don't attract every type of metal, so they won't attract any type of metal that isn't ferromagnetic. You only need to be concerned with things like nickel, iron, and cobalt.
Be sure to wear clothing that does not have any metal in it (zippers, buttons, etc.). If your clothes do have metal in them, you'll be given a hospital gown to change into for your scan. Normally you can wear your underwear and socks during the scan, unless your radiologist is concerned about metal microfibers.
Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).
You may need an injection of MRI contrast (or gadolinium) as part of this scan. MRI contrast is a colourless liquid injected into your blood stream during the scan. It will be injected via a small needle (cannula) into a vein in your arm. The contrast agent improves the quality of the images produced by the scan.
Some people report mild discomfort or sensitivity in their teeth during an MRI, but this is rare. The powerful magnetic field can slightly affect metal components in dental work, sometimes causing a sensation of warmth. However, this is not dangerous, and any discomfort usually disappears quickly after the scan.
MRI is also contraindicated in the presence of internal metallic objects such as bullets or shrapnel, as well as surgical clips, pins, plates, screws, metal sutures, or wire mesh. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
Makeup and jewelry
Makeup is generally safe for an MRI, Navot says, but mascara and some false eyelashes have enough metal that they can distort the image on a scan of the head. For that reason, it's best to avoid makeup on the day of your appointment if your head is being scanned.
You Are in Control
If, at any point during the MRI procedure, you begin to feel overwhelmed or feel a panic attack coming on, you can always ask them to pause the exam. Knowing you're in control at all times can help ease MRI claustrophobia and anxiety and allow you to have a positive experience.
MRI with Contrast
Some MRIs require an injection of a contrast dye to highlight certain tissues and blood vessels. This dye can occasionally cause nausea as a side effect. Having an empty stomach helps reduce the risk of feeling sick or vomiting during the procedure.
Sleeping during an MRI is safe if you stay very quiet. MRI machines need you to lie very, very quietly for a long time. If you can do this while asleep, it's okay. But, it's very important to listen to your doctor and the MRI tech.
Here are some ideas for what to do during your MRI:
Your questions are important. Call your doctor or health care provider if you have questions or concerns. We will ask you to hold very still as each picture is taken. Please keep your mouth and head as still as possible, since even swallowing can blur the pictures.