How to Prepare for an MRI Scan

Preparing properly for your MRI appointment helps ensure accurate imaging results and a comfortable experience. Here is everything you need to know before arriving at Michigan Diagnostics Center.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made of non-metallic fabric. Many patients choose to change into a gown provided by our facility. Avoid wearing:

• Clothing with metal zippers, buttons, or underwire
• Jewelry of any kind (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets)
• Piercings — remove what you can; non-removable piercings should be disclosed to staff
• Hair clips, barrettes, or metallic hair accessories
• Hearing aids (these must be removed before entering the scan room)

Important Medical Information to Share

Before your scan, inform our technologist if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
• Cochlear implants or hearing aids
• Metal implants including joint replacements, surgical pins, or plates
• Aneurysm clips or vascular stents
• Metal fragments or shrapnel anywhere in the body
• Insulin pump or other implanted medical device
• Tattoos with metallic ink
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Kidney problems (if contrast is planned)
• Claustrophobia or anxiety

Eating and Drinking

For most standard MRI scans, you may eat, drink, and take medications as usual. If your scan requires contrast or sedation, your physician or our staff will give you specific fasting instructions in advance.

Arriving Early

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to complete registration and any necessary paperwork. This ensures your appointment starts on schedule.