Various clothing items such as athletic wear (e.g., yoga pants, shirts, etc.), socks, braces, and others may contain metallic threads or metal-based anti-bacterial compounds that may pose a hazard. These items can heat up and burn the patient during an MRI.
Be sure to wear clothing that does not have any metal in it (zippers, buttons, etc.). If your clothes do have metal in them, you'll be given a hospital gown to change into for your scan. Normally you can wear your underwear and socks during the scan, unless your radiologist is concerned about metal microfibers.
It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
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!
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.
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.
Blankets. One of the oldest and most widely used comfort tactics is the use of blankets to keep patients warm during the MRI procedure. Some medical imaging centers even go the extra mile to warm the blankets before use. Blankets can provide warmth and help you not feel as vulnerable or exposed.
Generally, MRIs under anesthesia are performed under sedation, although sometimes they are performed under general anesthesia. Sedation is characterized as being in a state between relaxed and very sleepy, but not quite unconscious.
Cotton, polyester, and wool are best. Don't worry about the snaps or zippers on pants, as that metal can be allowed into the scanning facility. If you have questions about these procedures, please feel free to contact the study coordinator.
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.
In MRI scans those metal fibers can heat up and produce burns on your skin. Most people are unaware of the risks and are just looking for something comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, this type of comfortable clothing can cause an unnecessary risk.
Any movement during the scan, especially of your head or back—even moving your jaw to talk—can blur and degrade the pictures. The machine makes rapid, loud thumping noises as it takes images. During this time, you should breathe quietly and normally and refrain from moving, coughing, or wiggling.
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.
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.
Consider Avoiding the Bathroom for Several Hours Prior to the Scan. If you have to go to the bathroom, then go to the bathroom. On the other hand, do not go to the bathroom unless you must. There is a chance that you may be asked to drink some contrast material before the scan.
The electromagnetic radiation used in both MRI and cellphones is in the radio frequency (RF) range. The concern about using RF in both cell phones and MRI has to do with the tissue's absorption of the RF can cause tissue to heat up. The metric most often used for this is called the specific absorption rate (SAR).
Don't wear makeup.
Some cosmetics contain metals that can interact with MRI magnets, so on the day of the MRI don't wear makeup or nail polish. Also, minimize hair products and forgo antiperspirants and sunscreens, which contain metals, just to be safe.
The point is, taking showers after the radiology test is neither forbidden nor made a mandate. There is no medical proof of either of the thing. Being the patient, depending on the situation, you can better decide whether or not to go for the shower.
They may also cause peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation that may feel like a twitching sensation. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scan could lead to heating of the body. The potential for heating is greater during long MRI examinations.
Because of the serious reaction workout clothing has to the scanner, radiologists suggest that patients opt for clothing made from cotton fabric or paper hospital gowns. Beyond this, it's important to make sure that your clothing is free from metal zippers, buttons, and fasteners. This includes bras with underwire.
Preparing for an MRI of your back or spine is the same as the way you would prepare for any other MRI. You can eat, drink, and medicate normally before your appointment unless your doctor has scheduled you for an MRI with contrast.
You should not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to your exam time. You may take your medications with a small sip of water if needed. The day before your exam drink plenty of water so you are well hydrated. Being hydrated will ease the discomfort for those receiving contrast.
You might find it easier to wear a skirt or pants, so that you'll only need to remove your top and bra for the Breast MRI. Always describe any breast changes or problems you're having to the technologist doing the breast MRI.