Good news – no special preparation is needed. Eat and take any prescribed medication as usual, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
One important thing to remember, though: MRI and metal do not mix.
An MRI system has a powerful magnet inside, which is why you need to follow these guidelines:
Tell your physician and the MRI staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis, surgical clips, metal implants, or any other metal objects in your body. Some implants, such as a pacemaker, may be affected by an MRI exam.
Leave metal or magnetized objects at home or give them to the MRI staff for safekeeping when you arrive for the exam. Items that might be affected by the magnet include watches, coins, keys, bobby pins or other hair clips, pocketknives, and credit cards.
Avoid wearing eye makeup because metal flakes or slivers are found in some eye shadows.
Let the technologist know if you work around metal finishing or grinding equipment. It’s important to keep the eye area free of any metallic particles.
Finally, if you have additional questions or want more information before your exam, please don’t hesitate to contact your physician or the staff of the MRI facility.
