MRI Scan Checklist: What to Bring

A simple, printable MRI scan checklist covering everything you need to do before, during, and after your appointment. Tick each item off to make sure nothing is missed.

One Week Before Your MRI

• ☐ Read your booking confirmation and preparation instructions
• ☐ Complete any online safety questionnaires sent to you
• ☐ Note the centre address, parking details, and appointment time
• ☐ Check whether fasting is required (only for some abdominal/pelvic scans — your instructions will say)
• ☐ Check whether you need a blood test for kidney function (if contrast is planned and you're over 60, diabetic, or have kidney problems)
• ☐ If you have metal implants, find your implant card or manufacturer documentation
• ☐ If you're anxious or claustrophobic, speak to your GP about a mild sedative (e.g., diazepam)
• ☐ If taking sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive for 24 hours after
• ☐ Write down any questions you want to ask the radiographer

The Day Before

• ☐ Lay out comfortable, metal-free clothing (cotton t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, slip-on shoes)
• ☐ Begin fasting at the specified time, if required
• ☐ If having a cardiac MRI, stop caffeine (usually 24 hours before — check your instructions)
• ☐ Drink plenty of water — staying hydrated helps, especially if you're having contrast
• ☐ Set your alarm to arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment
• ☐ Choose music, a podcast, or an audiobook for headphones (if your centre allows your own playlist)

What to Bring

Essential

• ☐ Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
• ☐ Booking confirmation or reference number
• ☐ Implant card — if you have any metal implants, surgical hardware, or medical devices
• ☐ List of current medications
• ☐ Referral letter — if you have one from a GP or specialist
• ☐ Previous scan reports or images — if available, for comparison
• ☐ Payment method — if not already paid online

Optional but helpful

• ☐ A companion (for moral support, especially if you're anxious — they can usually stay in the scanning room)
• ☐ A bottle of water (for after the scan, especially if having contrast)
• ☐ Reading glasses (for completing paperwork)
• ☐ Prescribed sedation tablet (if arranged with your GP — take 30-60 minutes before the scan, or as directed)
• ☐ A book or magazine (for the waiting area)

What NOT to Bring Into the Scanning Room

All of these must stay in the secure locker provided:

• ☐ Mobile phone
• ☐ Smartwatch or fitness tracker
• ☐ Bank cards and credit cards (the magnetic strip will be wiped by the scanner's field)
• ☐ Keys
• ☐ Coins and loose change
• ☐ All jewellery — rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings
• ☐ Body piercings (remove before arriving if possible)
• ☐ Watches
• ☐ Hair clips, grips, and bobby pins
• ☐ Hearing aids (most are not MR-safe)
• ☐ Pens
• ☐ Glasses with metal frames (check with the centre — some are fine)

Clothing Checklist

Wear

• ☐ Cotton t-shirt or sweatshirt — no metallic logos, prints, or thread
• ☐ Tracksuit bottoms, leggings, or shorts — no zips or metal buttons
• ☐ Sports bra without underwire and without metal clasps (or no bra)
• ☐ Slip-on shoes or trainers — no metal buckles
• ☐ Underwear without metal components

Avoid

• ☐ Jeans (metal rivets, buttons, and zips)
• ☐ Belts with metal buckles
• ☐ Underwired bras
• ☐ Any clothing with metal zips
• ☐ Clothing with metallic thread, logos, or decorations
• ☐ Steel-toe boots or shoes with metal shanks

Personal Care — Day of Scan

Avoid

• ☐ Eye makeup — mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow may contain iron oxide particles
• ☐ Metallic nail polish
• ☐ Glitter-based cosmetics
• ☐ Heavy hair products (some contain metallic compounds)
• ☐ Fake tan applied within 24 hours

Fine to use

• ☐ Basic moisturiser
• ☐ Light foundation (check for metallic ingredients if unsure)
• ☐ Standard deodorant
• ☐ Lip balm

Morning of Your Scan

• ☐ Take your normal medications (unless specifically told not to)
• ☐ Eat and drink normally (unless fasting is required)
• ☐ Drink water — especially if having contrast
• ☐ Use the toilet before leaving home
• ☐ Remove all jewellery and piercings at home
• ☐ Double-check you have all essential items from the list above
• ☐ Confirm your transport arrangements (especially if taking sedation)

At the Centre

• ☐ Arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment
• ☐ Check in at reception — show ID and booking reference
• ☐ Complete the safety questionnaire (if not done online)
• ☐ Store all belongings in the secure locker
• ☐ Change into a gown if your clothing contains metal
• ☐ Use the toilet (a full bladder for 30+ minutes is very uncomfortable)
• ☐ Ask the radiographer any questions — this is the time
• ☐ Mention any concerns: claustrophobia, specific anxieties, previous difficult scans

After the Scan

• ☐ Collect your belongings from the locker
• ☐ Change back into your own clothes
• ☐ Drink plenty of water (especially if contrast was used — helps your kidneys flush it out)
• ☐ Ask when to expect your results (typically within 7 working days through Lola Health)
• ☐ Resume normal activities immediately (unless sedation was used — no driving for 24 hours)
• ☐ Keep your report when it arrives — it's a valuable part of your medical record

For a full guide to what happens at each stage, see our first MRI scan guide. For help understanding your results, see how to read your MRI report.