MRI Scan FAQ: 50 Most Asked Questions

Whether you're preparing for your first MRI or just want to understand the technology, this FAQ answers the 50 most commonly asked questions about MRI scans — preparation, safety, the experience itself, results, and costs.

General Questions

1. What does MRI stand for?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. No radiation involved.

2. Is an MRI scan safe?

Yes. MRI uses no ionising radiation and has been used safely for over 40 years. There are no known harmful effects from the magnetic fields at clinical strengths. See our full MRI safety guide.

3. How long does an MRI scan take?

Most scans take 20-60 minutes inside the scanner, depending on the body area. A full body MRI takes 60-90 minutes. See our full timing guide.

4. Is an MRI scan painful?

No. The scan itself is completely painless. You'll hear loud mechanical noises and may feel slight warmth, but there's no physical discomfort from the magnetic field or radio waves.

5. What can an MRI scan detect?

Tumours, strokes, disc herniations, ligament tears, organ abnormalities, aneurysms, infections, cardiac conditions, and degenerative changes — among many others. MRI is particularly strong for soft tissue, brain, spine, and joint imaging. See our complete detection list.

6. Does an MRI use radiation?

No. MRI uses magnetism and radio waves — not ionising radiation. This makes it safer than CT scans and X-rays for repeated imaging.

7. Can children have MRI scans?

Yes. MRI is safe for children of all ages. Young children who can't stay still may need sedation or general anaesthesia, managed by an anaesthetist. See our children and MRI guide.

8. Can I have an MRI if I'm pregnant?

Generally yes. MRI is considered safe during pregnancy (no radiation). It's typically avoided in the first trimester as a precaution. Gadolinium contrast is avoided throughout pregnancy. See our pregnancy guide.

9. What's the difference between MRI and CT?

MRI uses magnetism (no radiation) and excels at soft tissue, brain, and joint imaging. CT uses X-rays (small radiation dose) and excels at bones, lungs, and emergency imaging. They're complementary, not interchangeable. See our full comparison.

10. How much does a private MRI cost in the UK?

Through Lola Health, prices start from £249 for a single body area (e.g., hip, foot/ankle, kidney). Brain, knee, shoulder, and spine scans start from £275. Full body MRI starts from £1,399. Pricing is transparent and shown at booking with no hidden fees.

Preparation Questions

11. What should I wear for an MRI scan?

Comfortable, loose clothing with no metal — no zips, buttons, underwire, or metal fastenings. Cotton t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms are ideal. Most centres provide a gown if needed.

12. Can I eat before an MRI?

For most scans, yes. Some abdominal or pelvic scans require fasting for 4-6 hours. Your booking confirmation will specify. See our preparation guide.

13. Can I drink water before an MRI?

Yes. Staying hydrated is actually recommended, especially if you're having contrast. Only specific abdominal scans restrict fluids.

14. Should I take my medications before an MRI?

Yes — continue your normal medications unless your scanning centre specifically advises otherwise.

15. Do I need to remove my jewellery?

Yes. All jewellery, watches, piercings, hair clips, and metal accessories must be removed before entering the scanning room. The magnetic field is strong enough to pull metal objects with force.

16. Can I wear makeup to an MRI?

Best to avoid eye makeup — some mascaras and eyeliners contain iron oxide particles. Foundation is generally fine. See our what not to do guide.

17. Can I wear contact lenses during an MRI?

Standard soft lenses are completely safe. Hard or gas-permeable lenses are generally fine too, but mention them to the radiographer.

18. Do I need a blood test before an MRI with contrast?

Possibly. If you're over 60, have kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you may need a blood test to check kidney function (eGFR) before receiving gadolinium contrast.

19. How early should I arrive for my MRI?

15-20 minutes before your appointment time. This allows for check-in, paperwork, changing, and the safety briefing.

20. Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. A companion can usually stay in the scanning room during the scan (after being screened for metal). This can be very reassuring, especially for anxious patients.

During the Scan

21. Why is the MRI scanner so loud?

The gradient coils inside the scanner vibrate as they switch on and off thousands of times per second. This produces sounds of 80-100 decibels — comparable to a lawnmower. Different sequences produce different sound patterns.

22. Will I be given ear protection?

Yes, always. Foam ear plugs, headphones, or both. Ear protection is mandatory for every MRI scan.

23. Can I listen to music during my MRI?

Yes. Most centres offer music through headphones. Some allow you to bring your own playlist or listen to podcasts/audiobooks.

24. What if I feel claustrophobic?

Options include wide-bore or open scanners, sedation (diazepam from your GP), relaxation techniques, keeping your eyes closed, and having a companion in the room. See our claustrophobia guide.

25. Can I talk to the radiographer during the scan?

Yes. There's an intercom so you can communicate between sequences. You also have an alarm button to stop the scan instantly if needed.

26. Can I move during an MRI?

Stay as still as possible during each sequence (2-7 minutes). You can adjust slightly between sequences. Movement during a sequence blurs the images and may require repeating it.

27. Will I feel anything during the scan?

You may feel slight warmth in the area being scanned (from radiofrequency energy absorption) and gentle vibration from the table. Both are normal and harmless.

28. Can I sleep during an MRI?

Yes — some people do, and it's fine. Just make sure your body stays still and you can follow any breathing instructions if you're having an abdominal scan.

29. What if I need the toilet during the scan?

Squeeze the alarm button and the radiographer will pause the scan. But it's far better to go before the scan starts — a full bladder during 30+ minutes of lying still is very uncomfortable.

30. Can I stop the scan at any time?

Yes, absolutely. Squeeze the alarm button and the scan stops. The table slides out. No one will be annoyed — this happens regularly and scanning teams are well prepared for it.

Contrast and Safety

31. What is MRI contrast (gadolinium)?

Gadolinium is a paramagnetic substance injected into a vein to enhance certain tissues on MRI images. It helps identify tumours, inflammation, blood vessel problems, and post-surgical changes. See our full contrast guide.

32. Is gadolinium safe?

Yes, it has an excellent safety record. Serious allergic reactions occur in roughly 1 in 100,000 administrations. It should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease (eGFR below 30).

33. Does the contrast injection hurt?

The cannula insertion feels like a brief sharp scratch (same as a blood test). The gadolinium injection itself is painless — you may notice a cool or warm sensation and occasionally a fleeting metallic taste.

34. How long does gadolinium stay in my body?

Most is excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours. Drinking plenty of water helps speed clearance. Trace amounts may persist longer, but no harmful effects have been demonstrated.

35. Can I have an MRI with a pacemaker?

If your pacemaker is MR Conditional (most modern ones implanted since roughly 2010-2015), yes — under specific conditions with cardiology involvement. Older non-MR-conditional pacemakers are MR Unsafe. See our implants guide.

36. Can I have an MRI with metal implants?

Many metal implants (titanium joint replacements, plates, screws) are MRI-compatible. The safety team verifies compatibility before scanning. Bring your implant card. See our metal implants guide.

37. Can I have an MRI with dental fillings?

Yes. Dental fillings, crowns, and bridges are safe. They may cause minor image distortion on jaw/face scans but pose no safety risk and don't need removal.

38. Can I have an MRI with tattoos?

Modern tattoos are safe. Some older inks (pre-2000, especially red and black) contained metallic compounds that can cause mild warming. Tell the radiographer about any tattoos — they'll monitor you. It's very rare for a tattoo to prevent an MRI.

39. Can I have an MRI if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes. MRI is safe while breastfeeding. If gadolinium is used, current guidelines (ESUR, ACR) confirm breastfeeding can continue normally — less than 0.04% of the dose passes into breast milk.

40. Are there any side effects from an MRI?

The scan itself has no side effects. If contrast is used, mild effects (headache, nausea, brief metallic taste) occur in roughly 1-2% of patients and resolve quickly without treatment.

Results and Follow-Up

41. How long do MRI results take?

With Lola Health, results are typically available within 7 working days. Urgent findings are communicated sooner. NHS results vary — 1-4 weeks is common.

42. Who reads my MRI scan?

A consultant radiologist — a GMC-registered doctor with a minimum of 13 years' training who specialises in interpreting medical images. See our guide on understanding your results.

43. Can I see my MRI images?

Yes. With a private MRI through Lola Health, you receive access to your images along with the radiologist's report. You can share these with your GP or any specialist.

44. What if something is found on my MRI?

The radiologist describes the finding and recommends next steps — which may be follow-up imaging, blood tests, or specialist referral. Many findings are benign or incidental. See our guide on what happens next.

45. Can I get a second opinion on my MRI?

Yes. You can share your images with another radiologist for a second opinion. This is particularly worthwhile for complex or unexpected findings.

Access and Booking

46. Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI?

No. Book directly through Lola Health without a referral. See our referral guide.

47. How quickly can I get a private MRI?

Appointments are often available within 1-5 working days. Some centres offer same-day or next-day slots.

48. Can I choose my scanning centre?

Yes. Through Lola Health, choose from over 150 centres across the UK based on location, availability, scanner type, and price.

49. Can I drive after an MRI?

Yes — unless you took sedation (e.g., diazepam), in which case you must not drive for 24 hours. A standard MRI without sedation has no effect on your ability to drive.

50. Can I go back to work after an MRI?

Yes. There's no recovery period (unless sedation was used). You can return to all normal activities immediately after the scan.