What to Expect During an MRI Scan

If you've been told you need an MRI scan, it's completely normal to feel a bit uncertain. Around 3.9 million MRI scans are performed in England alone each year (NHS England Diagnostic Imaging Dataset, 2023/24), and the vast majority are straightforward, painless experiences. This guide walks you through exactly what happens before, during, and after your appointment — no surprises.

What Is an MRI Scan?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. The scanner uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to build detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, there is no ionising radiation involved — the images come from the way hydrogen atoms in your tissues respond to the magnetic field.

MRI is especially good at showing soft tissues: the brain, spinal cord, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and internal organs. It can pick up things that other scans miss — small ligament tears, early disc bulges, subtle brain lesions, and tumour margins.

Through our partnership with scan.com, Lola Health offers private MRI scans at over 150 centres across the UK, often with appointments available within days rather than the weeks or months typical of NHS waiting lists.

Before Your MRI Scan

Booking and Preparation

When you book, you'll receive instructions specific to your scan type. In most cases, preparation is simple:

• Clothing — Wear comfortable clothes without metal zips, buttons, or underwiring. Many centres provide a gown to change into. Cotton tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt are ideal.
• Metal items — Remove all jewellery, watches, hair clips, piercings, and anything else metallic. These can interfere with the magnetic field and become a safety risk. Even some bra clasps and belt buckles can cause problems.
• Eating and drinking — For most MRI scans, eat and drink normally. Certain abdominal scans (liver, pancreas, bowel) may require a 4-6 hour fast. Your booking confirmation will specify this.
• Medications — Keep taking your regular medications unless specifically told otherwise.
• Safety questionnaire — You'll complete a screening form covering metal implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other devices that could be affected by the magnetic field. This is the single most important safety step.

Arriving at the Scanning Centre

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. This gives you time to complete paperwork, change if needed, and speak with the radiographer. You'll store your belongings — phone, keys, bank cards (the magnet can wipe the strips) — in a secure locker outside the scanning room.

During the MRI Scan

Entering the Scanner

The radiographer will help you onto a padded table that slides into the scanner. Standard closed-bore scanners are tunnel-shaped, roughly 60cm wide and about 1.5 metres long. Depending on the area being scanned, you may go in head-first or feet-first — for knee and ankle scans, your head usually stays outside the tunnel entirely.

You'll be given ear plugs or headphones (the scanner is loud — think building-site-level noise). Many centres offer music through the headphones. You'll also get a squeeze ball or alarm button so you can alert the radiographer at any point.

What It Actually Feels Like

An MRI is completely painless. You won't feel the magnetic field or the radio waves. Here's what people actually notice:

• Noise — A series of loud repetitive sounds: knocking, buzzing, clicking. Each sequence lasts 2-7 minutes before switching to a different pattern. It sounds mechanical and rhythmic, not random.
• Warmth — Some people notice mild warmth in the area being scanned. This is the radiofrequency energy being absorbed by tissue. It's normal and harmless.
• Vibration — A gentle vibration from the scanner table, caused by the gradient coils switching on and off.
• Stillness — Keeping still is the most important thing you can do. Even small movements blur the images and may mean a sequence has to be repeated, adding time.

How Long Does It Take?

Most scans take 20-45 minutes inside the scanner. Complex scans or those needing contrast dye (gadolinium) may run to 60 minutes. The radiographer will tell you upfront how long to expect. For detailed timings by body area, see our MRI scan duration guide.

Contrast Dye (Gadolinium)

Some scans require an injection of gadolinium contrast through a small cannula in your arm. It helps highlight blood vessels, inflammation, and tumour boundaries. The injection feels like a brief cold sensation in the vein — occasionally you'll notice a metallic taste that passes in seconds. Serious reactions are extremely rare (roughly 1 in 100,000 administrations).

After Your MRI Scan

Once the scan finishes, the table slides out and you can get up straight away. There's no recovery period — you can drive, eat, and go back to normal activities immediately. If you had contrast, drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours to help flush it from your system.

Getting Your Results

Your images will be reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who produces a detailed written report. With Lola Health's private MRI service, results are typically available within 7 working days. Your report goes directly to you and, if you wish, to your GP or referring clinician.

If anything unexpected shows up, the radiologist may recommend further imaging, blood tests, or a specialist referral. This isn't necessarily alarming — many incidental findings are benign and simply need monitoring. Our guide on understanding your MRI results explains what to expect.

Tips for a Comfortable MRI Experience

• Practise relaxation beforehand — Box breathing works well: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. Practise this at home so it feels natural on the day.
• Keep your eyes closed — Close them before the table moves in and keep them shut. If you never see the enclosed space, your brain is far less likely to trigger anxiety.
• Focus on the music — Pick something you enjoy. An engaging podcast or audiobook can be even better than music for holding your attention.
• Count the sequences — Each sequence has a distinct sound pattern. Ask the radiographer how many there are and count them down. "Three more" is much more manageable than "20 more minutes."
• Communicate — The radiographer can hear you and see you at all times. If you need a break, squeeze the alarm button. No one will be annoyed — scanning teams deal with this every day.

If you're particularly anxious about enclosed spaces, read our full claustrophobia and MRI guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MRI scan painful?

No. An MRI is completely painless. You may hear loud mechanical noises and feel slight warmth, but there's no physical discomfort from the scan itself. If contrast dye is used, the cannula insertion feels like a brief sharp scratch (similar to a blood test), and the injection may cause a momentary cool sensation.

Can I have an MRI if I'm claustrophobic?

Yes. Many centres offer wide-bore or open MRI scanners that feel significantly less enclosed. You can also ask your GP about mild sedation (such as diazepam) before your appointment. Relaxation techniques, keeping your eyes closed, and having a companion in the room all help considerably.

How long do MRI results take?

With Lola Health's private service, results are typically ready within 7 working days. NHS results vary depending on the department and clinical urgency — waits of 2-4 weeks are common.

Do I need a referral for a private MRI?

No. You can book a private MRI directly through Lola Health without a GP referral. Choose the scan type and body area you need, and book online.

Can I eat before an MRI scan?

For most MRI scans, yes — eat and drink as normal. Some abdominal or pelvic scans require fasting for 4-6 hours beforehand. Your booking confirmation will include specific preparation instructions.

Is the MRI scanner noisy?

Yes. MRI scanners produce loud knocking and buzzing sounds — typically 80-100 decibels, similar to a lawnmower or chainsaw at close range. You'll be given ear plugs or headphones, and many centres offer music to help you relax during the scan.