Please wear comfortable clothing. Cotton, polyester, and wool are best. Don't worry about the snaps or zippers on pants, as that metal can be allowed into the scanning facility. If you have questions about these procedures, please feel free to contact the study coordinator.
100% cotton clothing is safe and preferred for MRI!
Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may need to wear a hospital gown during the procedure. If you don't need to wear a gown, you should wear clothes without metal zips, fasteners, buttons, underwire (bras), belts or buckles.
Athletic clothing and undergarments can contain metallic microfibers to deter odor and bacteria. In MRI scans those metal fibers can heat up and produce burns on your skin.
You will be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Make sure you take off your watch, jewelry and wallet. Some types of metal can cause blurry images.
You can usually keep your underwear on. The MRI scanner is very noisy. You will be given some headphones to help block the sound of the scanner.
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.
You may not know it, but some gym clothing contains small threads of metal in the stitching. Metals are known to be woven into athletic garments to prevent them from stinking during your work out. But the problem is, the metal heats up in MRI machines, which could cause your skin to burn.
Blankets. One of the oldest and most widely used comfort tactics is the use of blankets to keep patients warm during the MRI procedure. Some medical imaging centers even go the extra mile to warm the blankets before use. Blankets can provide warmth and help you not feel as vulnerable or exposed.
It is generally recommended that you avoid wearing any metal objects during an MRI scan, including jewelry, watches, and clothing with metal components. Sanitary pads are typically made with metal components, such as adhesive strips, and can potentially interfere with the MRI scan.
Can You Take a Shower Before an MRI? If your doctor doesn't say otherwise, you can have a shower before your MRI scan. However, you should not apply any products to your hair like sprays or gels as some of them contain metals that might interfere with your MRI examination.
Generally, MRIs under anesthesia are performed under sedation, although sometimes they are performed under general anesthesia. Sedation is characterized as being in a state between relaxed and very sleepy, but not quite unconscious.
Radiologists recommend fasting prior to undergoing a CT or MRI with contrast because of the possible side effects of the contrast agents. While rare, side effects of contrast can cause nausea or vomiting during the test. Vomiting while lying down could cause food blockages in your airway, known as asphyxia.
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.
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.
Clothing: it is best to wear something light weight and comfortable that is easy to take on and off if needed. Avoid wearing items of clothing that has metal buttons, zippers or hooks.
Skin-to-skin contact during MRI can cause the scanner to emit high-power electromagnetic radiofrequency pulses that are conducted through the body, creating heat.
The magnetic fields that change with time create loud knocking noises which may harm hearing if adequate ear protection is not used. They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body.
Preparing for an MRI of your back or spine is the same as the way you would prepare for any other MRI. You can eat, drink, and medicate normally before your appointment unless your doctor has scheduled you for an MRI with contrast.
The MRI scanner will make a lot of noise as it takes images. This is normal. You should be offered earplugs and/or headphones to make the noise sound less loud. You may also be able to listen to music through the headphones to make the MRI exam more enjoyable.
You might find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you'll only need to remove your top and bra for the Breast MRI. Always describe any breast changes or problems you're having to the technologist doing the breast MRI.
Unless you're told otherwise, you can shower and wash your hair the morning of your MRI. Don't use any hair products (such as hair spray or hair gel). Don't wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings.
If you need to cough or get an itch, tell them and they can get you out, or give you a short break between sequences. Then you are moved out of the machine, released, have your plastic tube removed and can go home.