How to Prepare for an MRI: Questions for Your Imaging Centre
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Prepare for an MRI by following the instructions from the centre performing your scan. The body area, use of contrast and any sedation can change the preparation. Do not assume that another person’s fasting or medicine instructions apply to you. Contact the centre before the appointment if anything is unclear.
Tell the centre about implants and medical history
MRI uses a strong magnetic field. Inform the team about implants, devices, previous operations and any possibility of metal in your body. Do not decide that an implant is safe simply because a previous scan was uneventful. Give the team the device information they request through the appropriate channel.
Tell them about pregnancy or possible pregnancy, kidney problems, allergies and previous reactions to contrast. The radiology team will decide what is relevant to your planned examination. If you are unsure of an implant’s model, ask how to obtain the required information before attending.
| Before the appointment | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Does this particular scan require fasting? |
| Medicines | Should I take my usual medicines, and are there any specific instructions? |
| Implants and metal | What evidence does the team need to confirm safety? |
| Contrast | Is contrast planned, and is any prior assessment needed? |
| Anxiety | Can the centre discuss claustrophobia or support arrangements? |
| Sedation | Will I need an escort and transport home? |
Clothing and personal belongings
The centre may ask you to remove metal-containing items or change into a gown. Tell staff about anything you cannot remove and follow their screening process. Avoid bringing valuables that complicate storage and leave enough time for the safety questionnaire.
Bring the referral and prior imaging or reports if requested. Keep a list of medicines and relevant conditions. Do not send personal health records to a commercial equipment supplier when the information belongs with your treating or imaging team.
During and after the scan
NHS information describes lying still while the radiographer performs the examination, with communication available during the scan. Ask the centre what to expect and how to alert staff if you feel unwell. Timing varies with the examination.
If sedation is planned, follow the centre’s escort and driving restrictions. Ask who will provide the report, when results are expected and which clinician will explain them. The person performing the scan may not be the person responsible for discussing the diagnosis.
For hospitals buying MRI equipment
Patient preparation and equipment procurement are separate services. A hospital purchasing imaging equipment needs a technical and site-readiness brief, installation scope, safety planning, support and service arrangements. Wigmore Trading can discuss a defined institutional procurement enquiry; this page does not offer MRI appointments or interpret scan results.
For a patient, the next action is simple: confirm your own centre’s instructions and raise safety questions before the appointment. For a buyer, specify the clinical requirement and obtain qualified technical review before committing to equipment.
Sources and further reading
Related guides
Institutional procurement enquiries
For a hospital, pharmacy or other organisation, send a non-sensitive product or equipment brief. Personal symptoms and medical records should go to your healthcare professional.
For institutional buyers: read Wigmore’s related healthcare procurement guide before sending a product brief. This supply-planning resource is separate from personal medical care.
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