MRI Scan Preparation: Your Complete Guide

Good preparation makes a real difference to your MRI scan experience. It reduces anxiety, prevents delays on the day, and — most importantly — ensures the best possible image quality for your radiologist to work with. This guide covers everything you need to do in the days and hours before your appointment.

What Is an MRI Scan and Why Does Preparation Matter?

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Because the scanner relies on magnetism rather than radiation, anything metallic on or inside your body can interfere with the images or create a genuine safety risk. Good preparation ensures three things: your safety, your comfort, and the diagnostic quality of your images.

One Week Before Your MRI Scan

Review Your Booking Confirmation

When you book a private MRI through Lola Health, you'll receive a confirmation email with preparation instructions specific to your scan type. Read these carefully — requirements differ depending on whether you're having a brain, spine, joint, abdominal, or cardiac MRI.

Complete Your Safety Questionnaire

You'll be asked to fill in a safety screening form, either online beforehand or on arrival. This is the single most important step and covers:

• Metallic implants — Pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, metallic heart valves, aneurysm clips, surgical pins, plates, or screws. See our full MRI with metal implants guide.
• Previous surgery — Any operation that may have left metal fragments in your body, including eye surgery or shrapnel injuries. Orbital metalwork is particularly important — some centres require orbital X-rays before scanning if there's any doubt.
• Medical devices — Insulin pumps, drug infusion devices, neurostimulators, or metallic intrauterine devices (IUDs). Most modern copper IUDs (e.g., the Mirena) are MR-conditional and safe at 1.5T and 3T.
• Pregnancy — If there's any chance you could be pregnant, tell the scanning team. MRI is generally considered safe in pregnancy but is usually avoided in the first trimester as a precaution. Read our MRI during pregnancy guide.
• Kidney function — If your scan requires contrast dye (gadolinium), you may need a recent blood test to check your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), since gadolinium is cleared by the kidneys.
• Allergies — Particularly any previous reaction to MRI contrast agents.
• Tattoos — Some older tattoo inks (especially red and black inks from before the 2000s) contain iron oxide or other metallic compounds that can cause mild warming during the scan. Modern inks are generally fine, but mention any tattoos to be safe.

Arrange Transport If Needed

Most MRI scans don't require sedation, so you can drive yourself. However, if you're taking sedation for anxiety or claustrophobia (e.g., diazepam prescribed by your GP), you must not drive for 24 hours afterwards. Arrange a lift or taxi in advance.

The Day Before Your MRI Scan

Eating and Drinking

• Standard scans (brain, spine, joints, extremities) — No fasting required. Eat and drink normally.
• Abdominal scans (liver, pancreas, kidneys, bowel) — You'll typically be asked to fast for 4-6 hours before the scan. Water is usually permitted during this period.
• Pelvic scans — You may be asked to have a moderately full bladder. Drink 500ml of water about an hour beforehand.
• Cardiac MRI — Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate) for 24 hours before the scan, as caffeine affects cardiac function and can compromise the images.
• MRCP (bile duct imaging) — Fast for at least 4 hours. No food, no chewing gum, no smoking — anything that stimulates bile flow can reduce image quality.

Medications

Continue taking your regular medications unless your scanning centre or doctor has specifically told you to stop. If you're diabetic and need to fast, ask about adjusting your insulin or medication timing — most centres have specific protocols for this.

Prepare Your Clothing

Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with no metal anywhere. Good options:

• A cotton t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms or leggings
• Slip-on shoes (no metal buckles)
• A sports bra without underwiring, or go without
• Avoid jeans (metal rivets and buttons), belts, and anything with zips

Most centres provide a gown if your clothing is unsuitable, but wearing the right thing from the start saves time and avoids the slight indignity of the hospital gown.

On the Day of Your MRI Scan

What to Bring

• Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
• Your booking confirmation or reference number
• Any relevant medical notes, previous scan reports, or referral letters
• A list of your current medications (a photo on your phone is fine — you won't take the phone into the scan room, but you can show the radiographer beforehand)
• Your implant card if you have any metallic implants
• Reading glasses if you need them for forms

What to Leave at Home (or in the Locker)

These items must not enter the MRI scanning room under any circumstances:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers
• Bank cards and credit cards (the magnetic field will wipe the strips — contactless chips survive, but why risk it)
• Keys, coins, pens, pocket knives
• Jewellery, piercings, hair clips, hair grips, bobby pins
• Hearing aids, removable dental work with metal
• Glasses (unless confirmed safe — titanium frames are usually fine)

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to check in, finish any remaining paperwork, change into a gown if needed, and have a quick chat with the radiographer about what to expect. Being rushed adds unnecessary stress.

Special Preparation Scenarios

MRI with Contrast (Gadolinium)

If your scan requires contrast, a small cannula goes into a vein in your arm or hand. Stay well hydrated in the 24 hours beforehand — this makes veins easier to find and helps your kidneys process the gadolinium afterwards. If you're over 60, have kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you may need a blood test to confirm your eGFR is above 30 ml/min before contrast can be given. Read our full gadolinium contrast guide.

MRI for Anxious Patients

If you experience anxiety or claustrophobia, several options are available:

• Open or wide-bore scanners — Available at many centres. Wide-bore scanners (70cm vs 60cm opening) feel noticeably more spacious while still producing high-quality images. See our open vs closed MRI comparison.
• Sedation — Your GP can prescribe a mild sedative (typically 5-10mg diazepam) to take about an hour before the scan. You must not drive for 24 hours afterwards.
• Relaxation techniques — Practise box breathing (4 counts in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold) and progressive muscle relaxation in the days before your scan.
• Music and audiobooks — Most centres provide headphones. Some allow you to bring your own playlist.
• Feet-first positioning — For knee, hip, lumbar spine, pelvis, and abdominal scans, you can often enter feet-first, keeping your head near or outside the scanner opening.

MRI During Pregnancy

MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy (no ionising radiation), but it's typically avoided in the first trimester as a precaution. Gadolinium contrast is generally avoided throughout pregnancy. Always tell the scanning team if you're pregnant or might be.

MRI with Metal Implants

Many modern implants are MRI-compatible (labelled "MR Conditional"), but this must be confirmed before scanning. Bring your implant card or documentation showing the manufacturer and model number. The radiographer will check whether your specific implant is safe for the scanner being used. Our metal implants safety guide covers this in detail.

MRI Preparation Checklist

Here's a quick-reference checklist you can save or print:

• ☐ Read your booking confirmation and specific prep instructions
• ☐ Complete the safety questionnaire
• ☐ Check fasting requirements for your scan type
• ☐ Arrange transport if taking sedation
• ☐ Prepare metal-free clothing
• ☐ Gather: photo ID, booking reference, medication list, implant card (if applicable)
• ☐ Stay hydrated (especially if having contrast)
• ☐ Remove all jewellery and piercings before leaving home
• ☐ Arrive 15-20 minutes early

For a printable version, see our MRI scan checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear makeup to an MRI scan?

Best to avoid it, particularly eye makeup. Some cosmetics — especially mascara, eyeliner, and metallic eyeshadow — contain iron oxide particles that can interfere with the scan or cause mild skin irritation. Foundation is generally fine, but if you can attend makeup-free, that's ideal.

Can I take my medication before an MRI?

Yes, in most cases. Continue your regular medication as normal. The only exception is if your scanning centre has given you specific instructions to stop a particular drug. If in doubt, call the centre before your appointment.

Do I need to remove my dental fillings for an MRI?

No. Dental fillings, crowns, and bridges are generally safe in an MRI scanner. They may cause minor distortion on images of the jaw or face (called "susceptibility artefact"), but they don't need to be removed. If you wear orthodontic braces, mention this — they can cause more significant artefact on head and neck images.

Can I use my phone in the MRI room?

Absolutely not. Mobile phones, smartwatches, and all electronic devices must stay outside the scanning room. The magnetic field can damage electronics permanently, and the devices can interfere with image quality. All centres provide secure lockers.

What if I have a tattoo?

Most modern tattoos are safe. Some older inks (particularly pre-2000 red and black inks) contained metallic compounds that can cause mild warming or tingling during the scan. Tell the radiographer about any tattoos — they'll monitor you during the scan. It's extremely rare for a tattoo to prevent an MRI from going ahead.

What happens if I eat when I should have fasted?

If you've accidentally eaten before a scan that requires fasting (e.g., abdominal MRI), tell the radiographer. They may be able to proceed depending on what you ate and when, or they may need to reschedule. Food in the stomach and active bile flow can obscure the structures the scan needs to show.