Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may need to wear a hospital gown during the procedure. If you don't need to wear a gown, you should wear clothes without metal zips, fasteners, buttons, underwire (bras), belts or buckles.
For women, if possible, do not wear an underwire bra (the metal can throw off the magnetic field). Sports bras are usually good and we have hospital gowns to change into if necessary. The clasps on the back of a regular bra are not a problem, but avoid wearing bras that have metal parts on the straps.
Undergarments. If you wear a bra, please wear a sports bra or a bra that does not have any underwires. If you wear an underwire bra on the day of your scan you will need to remove it.
Depending on where your body will be scanned, you may have to put on a hospital gown for your examination. In the case where you don't need to wear a hospital gown, you should avoid clothing items with metals in them. If your bra has any metal in it, whether they are underwires or not, it is best not to put it on.
You will be asked to remove any clothing containing metal and all jewelry. You will be provided metal free clothing to change into such as gown, shorts or pants. Lockers are available to safely store all personal items such as wallet, purse, keys, phone and other electronic devices.
Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.
Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may need to wear a hospital gown during the procedure. If you don't need to wear a gown, you should wear clothes without metal zips, fasteners, buttons, underwire (bras), belts or buckles.
The underwire can be made of metal or molded plastic; most are metallic. Plastic underwire has a very small share of the market because it does not provide the same support and rigidity offered by metal underwire. A metallic underwire is a thin strip of metal, usually with a nylon coating at both ends.
You will not be able to have breakfast the morning of your surgery. You can brush your teeth in the morning, just be sure to spit the water out!
Radiologists recommend fasting prior to undergoing a CT or MRI with contrast because of the possible side effects of the contrast agents. While rare, side effects of contrast can cause nausea or vomiting during the test. Vomiting while lying down could cause food blockages in your airway, known as asphyxia.
Why You Should Avoid Wearing Sanitary Pads During an MRI: Sanitary pads contain metal components, such as adhesive strips, which can interfere with the MRI scan and result in image distortion. This can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and potentially delay medical treatment.
How long does an MRI scan take? A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.
Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. You may be asked to remove any piercings, if possible. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand, as contrast material will be used in your exam.
If you need to cough or get an itch, tell them and they can get you out, or give you a short break between sequences. Then you are moved out of the machine, released, have your plastic tube removed and can go home.
Things to remember
Unless you're told otherwise, you can shower and wash your hair the morning of your MRI. Don't use any hair products (such as hair spray or hair gel). Don't wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings.
You will be asked to fast for 4 hours prior to your exam. You may take your usual medications with small amounts of water. Otherwise, no additional preparation is needed.
You will be in constant communication with the MRI technicians and you can stop the scan at any time. We have a fan in case you get warm, blankets in case you are cool and bolstering pillows to help you stay comfortable during a long scan.
There aren't any side-effects from the MRI scan itself. However, if you've had an injection of contrast medium (dye) as part of the investigation, you may have some side-effects which might include a skin rash, dizziness, a headache, and nausea.
Ring. The ring is the metal or plastic join (typically in the shape of a ring) that connects the straps to the band, or a non-adjustable section of the strap to an adjustable section. The more durable the material used by the ring, the longer the bra will last.
Despite being associated with breast cancer continuously, underwired bras actually do not carry any such health risk as per scientific studies. Just choose your fit & size carefully and make sure that you stay true to your breast shape.
Rings, slides and hooks are the accessories used in intimate apparel/lingerie used for adjustment and decorative functions. Rings, slides and hooks are commonly made of plastic and nylon coated metal and stainless steel.
The MRI personnel will ask you many questions to determine if you can safely be imaged. You will also be asked you weight and height. This information will allow the pulse sequence to adhere to the specific absorption rate (SAR) limitations described in Chapter 9, and the proper choice of imaging hardware.
You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. But you may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time. If a contrast material is used, you may feel some coolness when it is put into your IV.