What to expect at an MRI

An MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Body MRI) It does not use X-rays. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Body MRI) This page walks through a normal scan, step by step, in plain words. Facts on this page link to their sources. Your hospital may do some things differently, so ask them.

Not medical advice. This page is general information from public sources. Your care team and the imaging center decide what is right for you or your child, and the facility's own rules come first. If something here does not match what your hospital tells you, follow the hospital and let us know.

The scanner

Most scanners are a large donut-shaped machine, open on both ends. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Some centers have more than one kind of scanner, so a person who feels anxious can sometimes use one that is less closed in or more open. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)

Our listings show magnet strength (1.5T or 3T), bore type (wide, open, upright) and ACR accreditation when the program's own page says so. If it does not, you will see "Not confirmed yet".

Noise

The scanner can make loud tapping and knocking sounds. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) You wear earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) The ACR's sample screening form says you will be given hearing protection. (Source: ACR sample MR safety screening form (PDF))

How long it takes

Most MRI exams take between 15 and 45 minutes. Some take up to 60 minutes or longer, depending on the body part and how many pictures are needed. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) The staff will tell you ahead of time how long they expect yours to take. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)

The technologist will ask you to stay very still while pictures are taken, though some small movement may be okay between pictures. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) For some scans you may be asked to hold your breath for a short time. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)

Getting ready

• You will usually change into a gown. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Some places give you MR-safe clothing to wear. (Source: ACR sample MR safety screening form (PDF))
• Rules about eating and drinking vary by facility, so ask. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Body MRI)
• Some scans use a contrast dye (gadolinium) given through a vein. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Ask the imaging center if yours does.
• If you are given medicine to relax, ask the facility whether you will need a ride home. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Body MRI)
• During the scan the technologist can speak to you, hear you and see you, and you get a call button. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)

Metal and implants

The magnet is very strong, so metal needs extra care. Before the scan you take off watches, jewelry, cell phones, hearing aids and clothes with metal threads or fasteners. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Tell the technologist about any implant or other object in or on your body before you go into the scanner room. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)

The staff will ask you about this on a screening form. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Get a head start with our printable Get Ready checklist, or its child version for parents. The hospital will still screen you again.

If you feel closed in

Some people feel confined or frightened in the scanner. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) RadiologyInfo.org says about one in twenty people may need a mild sedative to stay calm. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety) Your care team can tell you what is likely for you or your child. Things that can help:

• Ask if a relative, friend or a personal item can come into the scan room. Some centers allow it. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)
• Ask about a scanner that is less closed in or more open. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)
• Know what to expect. RadiologyInfo.org says that when people know what to expect, most are able to finish the scan. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): MRI Safety)
• If you are worried, talk with your doctor ahead of time about your options. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Body MRI)

For kids and parents

Parents: how kids get through it awake

• Child life specialists often prepare children for what to expect and teach them ways to cope. (Source: AAP News (American Academy of Pediatrics), 2021)
• Many children's imaging facilities have a scaled copy of an MRI machine (a mock scanner) that kids can try. (Source: AAP News (American Academy of Pediatrics), 2021) Some can play recorded MRI sounds. (Source: AAP News (American Academy of Pediatrics), 2021) At Nationwide Children's, the mock scanner also plays the loud sounds a real MRI makes, so kids know what to expect. (Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital) The AAP says mock scanners help most with young children, ages 3 to 8. (Source: AAP News (American Academy of Pediatrics), 2021) Ask whether your hospital has one.
• RadiologyInfo.org says children usually wear loose, comfortable clothing and may be asked to wear a gown. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Pediatric MRI) Your hospital will tell you what to wear.
• Food and drink rules depend on the plan, especially if anesthesia is used. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Pediatric MRI) Your hospital will tell you what to do before the scan.
• If your child has been sick recently, or seems to be getting sick, call your care team before the appointment. RadiologyInfo.org says children who have recently been ill are generally not given anesthesia. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Pediatric MRI)
• At Vanderbilt, one caregiver may stay with the child during the MRI. (Source: Vanderbilt Children's Hospital) Other hospitals have their own rules, so ask.
• Children's Mercy says most of its MRIs last about an hour. (Source: Children's Mercy Kansas City) How long a scan takes depends on the type of scan. (Source: Children's Mercy Kansas City)
• If a child is very worried, confused or hurting, lying still can be hard. (Source: RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA/ACR): Pediatric MRI) Your care team can talk through what might help. Not every child can do it awake, and that is okay. Your care team will help decide. See Is awake MRI right for my child?

Find a program near you: search the directory. Before you go: fill in the Get Ready checklist (or the child version) and read questions to ask about cost.