You can eat normally before most MRIs, but you might need to fast (not eat solid food for 4-8 hours) for abdominal/pelvic scans to avoid blurry images from digestion/gas, if you're getting a sedative to prevent aspiration, or if an IV contrast is used, as it can cause nausea. Fasting ensures clearer pictures by minimizing movement and gas, and keeps you safe if sedation is needed.
Eating and drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been consumed. This involves muscle contractions through the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI images, known as artifacts.
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.
Before an MRI, do not wear or bring metal (jewelry, pins, underwire bras, coins), skip cosmetics with metallic particles (mascara, glitter), avoid lotion/oils on the area, leave electronic devices at home, and always inform staff about implants, pregnancy, or kidney issues, as fasting and patch removal depend on the specific exam and contrast use, so follow your doctor's precise instructions.
If your MRI is focused on abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas, you'll likely be asked to fast. The digestive process can create movement and gas, which may interfere with image quality.
The answer depends on the type of MRI, the body part being scanned, and individual patient factors. In most cases, eating before an MRI is permitted, but there are specific situations where fasting is required to prevent complications or ensure high-quality images.
(Diva cups, disposable maxi-pads and tampons won't affect the MRI machine and are okay to wear).
Objects that may interfere with image quality if close to the area under examination include:
If you take any narcotic pain medicine, or medicines for nausea or gastric motility, please call to discuss prior to your exam. Duration of exam: 4.5 hours. Preparation: Nothing by mouth for at least 6 hours. No gum, no smoking, no food, no water, no brushing teeth.
Increased movement can result in the images being blurred or of poorer quality but being in an enclosed space can cause some people to become stressed, and in some more extreme cases, cause panic attacks.
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.
Do not arrive with wet hair (for brain MRIs) Do not wash your hair with dry shampoo (for brain MRIs) Do not arrive with recently dyed hair (~3 days prior; for brain MRIs) Do not wear hairspray, hair wax, or hair gel (for brain MRIs)
Bring a family member or friend with you if you need to wait for examination results. They can talk with you and be there to support you during and after the examination. They can also drive you home if you have sedative medicine during the examination. If you do take sedative medication, you cannot drive yourself.
How long is my MRI exam? The length of your exam will depend on what is ordered by your doctor, or the body part of interest. In general exams will take 45-60 minutes and up to 2 hours for specialty exams. On average, brain and spine exams may last about 45 minutes.
The stress and anxiety associated with undergoing an MRI scan, combined with the need to remain still for an extended period, can lead to fatigue. This is more common in patients who are already dealing with a chronic illness. Improvement Solution: Ensure you get plenty of rest before and after the scan.
As the MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields, it's important to remove any metal objects from your body. These include: watches. jewellery, like earrings and necklaces.
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.
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).
A knee MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses energy from strong magnets to create pictures of the knee joint and muscles and tissues. An MRI does not use radiation (x-rays). Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film.
Any individual undergoing an MR procedure must remove all readily removable metallic personal belongings..., and clothing items which may contain metallic fasteners, hooks, zippers, loose metallic components or metallic threads. (pg 506 Kanal et al.)
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.
Tips for Staying Calm and Managing Claustrophobia During an MRI
You can wear your regular underwear under your gown during your scan, unless your underwear contains metal (e.g., a bra with an underwire or clasp). Because the MRI machine uses magnets, any metal on your body during the scan can disrupt the results. This also means you should remove all jewelry before your scan.
You should not have anything to eat or drink for three to four hours before the test. It is also a good idea to try using the bathroom to urinate (pass your water) just before you are taken into the scanning room. You will then be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Can I have an MRI scan during my period? 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.