How to Prepare for Your MRI Scan: Patient Checklist

Your Complete MRI Preparation Guide

Undergoing an MRI is a safe, painless, and zero-radiation procedure. However, because an MRI machine contains a powerful superconducting magnet, proper preparation is essential to guarantee your safety and ensure crystal-clear diagnostic images.

1. What to Wear

• Wear loose, comfortable cotton clothing (such as a cotton kurta, track pants, or t-shirt) without metallic zippers, snaps, metal hooks, or metallic threads.
• Avoid underwire bras, which contain metal wires that can distort thoracic and breast imaging.
• You will be provided with a clean, sanitized clinical gown if your clothing contains metal fasteners.

2. What to Leave at Home or in the Locker

The MRI magnet will strongly attract ferrous metals. You must remove:

• All jewelry, gold/silver chains, rings, earrings, and nose pins.
• Wristwatches, fitness bands, and hairpins/bobby pins.
• Dentures, hearing aids, and spectacles.
• Credit cards, debit cards, and metro cards (the magnet will erase magnetic strips).
• Coins, keys, and mobile phones.

3. Fasting Guidelines

• Brain, Spine, and Joint Scans (Plain): No fasting is needed. Eat, drink, and take your regular medicines normally.
• Abdomen MRI / MRCP Scans: 4 to 6 hours of fasting is required so your gallbladder is full and clearly visible.
• Contrast MRI: 3 to 4 hours fasting is advised to prevent nausea.

4. Claustrophobia Tips

If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, rest assured that our 1.5 Tesla scanner features a wider, flared bore and ambient ventilation. Our technologists remain in continuous audio communication with you, and a family member may accompany you into the room after safety clearance.