If you have an MRI scheduled, most examinations require only a few preparation steps. The exact instructions depend on the part of the body being examined, whether contrast is needed, and whether an implant, medical device, or health condition needs to be reviewed for MRI safety. Knowing what will happen before, during, and after the scan can make the appointment easier to plan and the examination more comfortable.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center performs MRI at 68 Robbins Street in Waterbury using wide-bore 1.5T scanners. During the examination, an MRI technologist positions you carefully, explains each stage of the scan, and remains in communication with you throughout the procedure.
MRI Exam Resources
About Your Exam is the starting point for GWIC patient preparation. These related resources provide more detail before your appointment and help you access your imaging afterward.
What Is MRI?
Understand how Magnetic Resonance Imaging works, why it does not use ionizing radiation, and how MRI images are created and reviewed.
MRI Exam Overview Video
See the MRI process before your appointment with GWIC’s exam overview video.
Watch the MRI Exam Overview Video
Request a Copy of Your MRI Scan
If you need a copy of images from a previous GWIC MRI, use the online request form to request a CD of your scan images.
Request a copy of your MRI scan
What to Expect From Your MRI Exam:
- What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and how does it work?
- Is MRI safe for everyone?
- How do I prepare for an MRI?
- Will my MRI require contrast?
- What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What should I expect during an MRI?
- What if I am claustrophobic or nervous about an MRI?
- How long will the MRI procedure take?
- When do I get my MRI results?
- Frequently asked questions about preparing for an MRI
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and How Does It Work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency energy, and computer technology to create detailed images of structures inside the body. MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Depending on the examination ordered, it can evaluate the brain and spine, joints and soft tissues, organs, blood vessels, the heart, and many other areas of the body.
For a more detailed explanation of the technology and image-review process, read what MRI is and how it works.
After the examination, the images are transmitted digitally to a radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist reviews the study and prepares a report for the healthcare provider who ordered the MRI.
Is MRI Safe for Everyone?
MRI is used safely for a wide range of patients, but the powerful magnetic field requires careful screening before anyone enters the MRI room. Certain implants, medical devices, metallic foreign bodies, or other circumstances may require additional review before an examination can proceed.
GWIC provides additional information in its MRI safety guidelines. Current RadiologyInfo.org guidance also emphasizes screening for implants, devices, and metal that could interact with the magnetic field.
Tell your physician and GWIC if you have or may have any of the following:
- Cardiac pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or another implanted cardiac device
- Cochlear implant or another implanted hearing device
- Aneurysm clip, neurostimulator, implanted medication pump, or another electronic implant
- Metal fragments, shrapnel, bullets, or a history of metal injury involving the eyes
- Orthopedic hardware, prostheses, or other surgical implants
- Body piercings, metallic foreign bodies, or other metal in or on the body
- Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
Having an implanted device does not automatically mean that MRI is unavailable. Some devices are MR Conditional and may be scanned only when specific safety requirements are met. GWIC provides Cardiac MRI services and will verify accurate device and manufacturer information for compatibility with scanning conditions before the examination.
GWIC also provides information for patients undergoing MRI with an MR Conditional pacemaker system.
How Do I Prepare for an MRI?
Preparation is usually straightforward, but instructions vary by examination. Follow the directions provided when your appointment is scheduled. If anything is unclear, contact GWIC before the day of your scan so the team can confirm the instructions for your specific MRI.
GWIC’s current patient guidance includes the following:
- Arrive approximately 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled examination to allow time for check-in, safety screening, paperwork, and changing clothes if needed.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, snaps, hooks, underwire, or metallic fibers when possible. You may be asked to change into a gown.
- Complete the MRI screening questionnaire carefully and provide accurate information about implants, devices, metal exposure, pregnancy, and other safety considerations.
- Take your usual medications unless your physician or the MRI team has given you different instructions.
- Most MRI exams do not require food or drink restrictions. If your specific examination requires fasting or another dietary preparation, GWIC will provide those instructions when the exam is scheduled.
- Remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, phones, credit or bank cards, keys, coins, hairpins, clips, and other metal or electronic items before entering the MRI room.
- Remove body-piercing jewelry before the examination when possible. Metal can create a safety concern or interfere with image quality.
- Remove eye makeup and other cosmetics when instructed. Some products contain metallic particles that can interfere with MRI images.
- Leave unnecessary valuables at home. GWIC provides a locker for personal items that must be removed before the scan.
- Tell GWIC in advance if claustrophobia, pain, anxiety, or difficulty lying still may make the examination challenging.
If your referring physician has prescribed a sedating or anti-anxiety medication for the MRI, follow those instructions carefully and arrange for someone else to drive you home. RadiologyInfo.org also advises patients not to drive after taking sedative medication for an MRI.
Will My MRI Require Contrast?
Some MRI examinations use an intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent, and others do not. Contrast may make certain tissues, blood vessels, areas of inflammation, tumors, or other findings easier for the radiologist to evaluate. Whether contrast is needed depends on the type of MRI and the clinical question your physician needs the examination to answer.
According to RadiologyInfo.org MRI preparation guidance, patients who may receive gadolinium contrast should report prior contrast reactions, known kidney disease, or risk factors for kidney disease. Some patients may need a blood test to assess kidney function before contrast is administered.
GWIC’s current preparation guidance identifies renal failure or insufficiency, hypertension, diabetes, severe liver disease, or liver transplant as health history that may lead to additional kidney-function review before contrast. GWIC will tell you whether laboratory testing is required for your examination and how recent the results need to be.
The American College of Radiology Manual on Contrast Media provides current clinical guidance on patient selection and gadolinium-based contrast agents.
What If I Am Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Tell your physician and GWIC before the examination if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This allows the radiologist and MRI team to determine whether any additional precautions or discussion are appropriate for the ordered examination.
According to RadiologyInfo.org MRI safety guidance for pregnancy, there are no proven risks to pregnant patients or unborn babies from MRI itself. Gadolinium contrast is generally avoided during pregnancy unless it is needed to answer an important clinical question.
For breastfeeding patients, RadiologyInfo.org MRI safety guidance states that radiologists generally consider it safe to continue breastfeeding after receiving an MRI contrast agent. Tell the MRI team that you are breastfeeding so you can discuss any questions before contrast is given.
What Should I Expect During an MRI?
When you arrive for the examination, the technologist will review the safety screening information, answer questions, and help you prepare for the scan. You will lie on a padded table and be positioned so the body part being examined can be imaged accurately.
If seeing the process in advance would make you more comfortable, you can watch GWIC’s MRI Exam Overview Video before your appointment.
During the examination:
- You will hear repeated knocking, tapping, thumping, or buzzing sounds as different image sequences are acquired. Hearing protection is provided.
- You will need to remain as still as possible while images are being taken. Movement can blur the images and may require repeating a sequence.
- The technologist can see you and communicate with you throughout the examination.
- You will be given a call button so you can alert the technologist if you need assistance or need to stop the scan.
- If contrast is part of the ordered exam, an IV may be placed so the contrast agent can be administered during the study.
- The table may move during the exam, so the correct area of the body is positioned within the scanner for each sequence.
The examination does not hurt, although remaining in one position may be uncomfortable for some patients. Tell the technologist if pain or another concern makes it difficult to stay still.
What If I Am Claustrophobic or Nervous About an MRI?
Tell GWIC when scheduling if enclosed spaces make you anxious or if you have had difficulty completing an MRI in the past. Planning ahead gives the team an opportunity to explain the scanner, positioning, and communication process before the examination begins.
GWIC uses wide-bore 1.5T scanners designed to provide more room than a conventional narrow-bore system. Read more about what to expect with GWIC’s wide-bore, non-claustrophobic MRI scanner.
GWIC’s wide-bore scanners are open at both ends, ventilated, and well lit. Depending on the body part being examined, your head may not need to be inside the scanner. The technologist remains in communication with you, and you receive a call button if you need assistance or want to pause the examination.
How Long Will the MRI Procedure Take?
A typical GWIC MRI examination takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific procedure ordered by your physician. The exact timing varies with the area being scanned, the number of image sequences required, whether contrast is used, and whether additional images are needed.
The technologist can give you a better sense of the expected scan time once the exact examination is known. If you have pain, anxiety, or another concern about remaining in position, discuss it before imaging begins.
What Happens After the MRI?
When the examination is complete, the technologist will help you off the table and remove the IV if one was used. Most patients can return to normal activities and their usual diet immediately after MRI unless they received medication that affects alertness or were given different instructions by their healthcare provider.
The images are transmitted digitally to a radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist reviews the study, prepares a written report, and sends the report to the physician or healthcare provider who ordered the examination.
When Do I Get My MRI Results?
GWIC’s current patient instructions state that the radiologist’s written report is generally forwarded to the ordering physician within 24 to 48 hours after the examination is completed. Your physician is responsible for discussing the findings with you and explaining any recommended next steps.
Patients enrolled in GWIC’s online health-management portal can access their MRI report online. GWIC’s current portal page states that MRI reports become available to patients four days after the exam.
If you need the image files themselves for another provider or for your own records, request a copy of your MRI scan.
What Should I Bring to My MRI Appointment?
Bring the identification, insurance information, medication information, and device documentation requested when your appointment was scheduled. If you have an implant or medical device that requires MRI safety review, bring the manufacturer or device information available to you. If GWIC has specifically asked you to bring prior imaging or other records for comparison, have those available as well.
If you are taking a prescribed sedating or anti-anxiety medication for the examination, arrange for a driver. If you are unsure what applies to your specific MRI, call GWIC before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for an MRI
Can I eat and drink before an MRI?
Most MRI examinations do not require special food or drink restrictions. If your exam requires fasting or other dietary preparation, GWIC will provide those instructions when the appointment is scheduled.
Can I take my medications before an MRI?
Yes. Take your usual medications unless your physician or the MRI team gives you different directions. If medication affects your preparation, such as a sedating or anti-anxiety medication, confirm the plan before the exam.
What should I wear to an MRI?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal when possible. You may be asked to change into a gown, and you must remove metal or electronic objects before entering the MRI room.
Can I have an MRI if I have a pacemaker or another implant?
Some implanted devices are MR Conditional and can be scanned under specific conditions. Tell GWIC about the exact device before the appointment so the MRI team can verify compatibility and required safety conditions.
Will I need contrast for my MRI?
Some MRI exams use gadolinium-based contrast, and others do not. Whether contrast is needed depends on the examination and the clinical question your physician needs the MRI to answer.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Tell GWIC when scheduling if enclosed spaces make you anxious. GWIC uses wide-bore 1.5T scanners to alleviate claustrophobia and improve comfort. The technologist can communicate with you throughout the examination, and you will receive a call button if you need assistance.
How long will my MRI take?
A typical GWIC MRI takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, although the exact time depends on the examination, the number of image sequences, whether contrast is used, and whether additional images are needed.
When will my doctor get my MRI results?
The radiologist’s written report is generally forwarded to the ordering physician within 24 to 48 hours after the examination. Your physician will review the results with you. Patients enrolled in GWIC’s portal can also access the report online four days after the exam.
Preparing for Your MRI at Greater Waterbury Imaging Center
If your physician has ordered an MRI, Greater Waterbury Imaging Center performs MRI examinations at 68 Robbins Street in Waterbury using wide-bore 1.5T scanners. GWIC is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with private gated parking for patients.
Review the instructions provided when your appointment was scheduled and contact the center if you have questions about implants, contrast, pregnancy, claustrophobia, medications, or any other preparation concern. The GWIC team can help you understand what applies to the specific MRI your physician ordered.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center provides MRI services in a patient-focused setting with technologists who communicate with you throughout the examination. If you have an MRI order and need help preparing or scheduling your appointment, call 203-573-7674. Contact us today to schedule your MRI or ask questions about your exam preparation.