An MRI test provides doctors with a more thorough look at organs and tissues than a standard X-ray.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to provide a detailed look at the organs and tissues within the body. The MRI machine is a large tube that the patient lies inside while the imaging is done. How much preparation is needed for an MRI scan depends on the patient. In most cases, there is little to no preparation necessary, but if the patient has certain medical issues or electronic devices implanted in the body, a little more preparation might be necessary.
Instructions
1. Ask your doctor whether you should abstain from eating or drinking before the procedure. While many MRI procedures do not require any dietary restrictions, there is a possibility that your procedure might.
2. Ask your doctor whether you should stop taking any prescribed medications before the procedure. Also, tell your doctor whether you have any serious diseases or have recently had surgery. Some conditions, such as severe kidney or liver disease, won't allow you to tolerate the contrast material you will need to take the test. Contrast material is a substance that may be injected into your vein to help the doctor obtain a clearer picture of the area being examined.
3. Notify your doctor of any allergies to food, drugs, X-ray contrast material, iodine or the environment or if you have asthma. Some MRI procedures require patients to drink or receive an injection of contrast material. It is critical that your physician is aware of any allergies you might have that might cause a reaction to the contrast material.
4. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of metal or electronic implants in your body. Because metal interferes with the MRI scan, your doctor should be aware of devices such as artificial heart valves, metal pins, screws, plates or implanted drug infusion ports. Your doctor can determine whether these devices will interfere with your MRI.
5. Tell your doctor if you are claustrophobic (have a fear of enclosed spaces). Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative.
6. Wear clothing without any metal fasteners and remove all metal objects from your body including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids prior to your MRI procedure. Most medical offices will have you change into a hospital gown.
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