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What to expect at your MRI scan.

An MRI is painless and uses a strong magnet and radio waves rather than X-rays. Knowing what will happen makes it easier. Here is everything, step by step.

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A radiographer talking with a patient on an MRI table

Before your scan

Safety check

Tell us about metal

Pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, nerve stimulators, some clips and metal fragments (for example in the eyes) can be unsafe. You'll complete a safety questionnaire, and your GP checks it before booking.

Pregnancy

Let us know

If you are or might be pregnant, tell us. MRI is usually avoided in early pregnancy unless it is clearly needed.

On the day

Simple preparation

Wear clothes without metal, and leave jewellery at home. For some abdominal scans you'll be asked not to eat for a few hours. Bring any previous scan reports.

A radiographer explaining the scan to a patient on the MRI table

During the scan

You lie still on a padded table that moves into the scanner. Usually only the part being scanned needs to be in the middle.
It is noisy. You'll be given ear protection, often with music.
You can talk to the radiographer throughout, and you'll hold a call button.
Most scans take 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area. Whole-body scans take longer.
Some scans use a contrast injection (gadolinium) to show detail more clearly. If yours does, you'll be told beforehand and your kidney function may be checked.

If you are claustrophobic

Tell us when you book. Many people who are anxious about MRI manage well with a little planning.

For knee, ankle and foot scans you usually go in feet first, with your head outside the scanner. For other areas, the radiographer can explain each step, keep talking to you, and stop if you need to. Some people find an eye mask or closing their eyes before going in helps. If you are very worried, talk it through with your GP before the day.