What happens during an MRI scan?

On the day of your scan, choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that doesn’t have metal in it. The radiographer might also ask you to wear a hospital gown during the scan.

Be sure to leave behind your phone, spare coins, dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, keys, underwire bra, and watch before you head to the MRI room. The powerful magnets from the MRI will damage any electrical device or bank/credit cards.

In some cases, a specialist will inject a contrast dye, called gadolinium, into a vein in your arm or hand. The dye makes it easy for the doctor to see structures in your body more clearly. It’s also good to know beforehand that when you taste something metallic in your mouth, this is due to the dye and it is normal to experience this.

You will be asked to lie on a table, and you might also be strapped in to ensure no movement during the scan. Once you’re ready, the table will then slide into the MRI machine.

The MRI machine applies a very strong magnetic field inside your body. Since it doesn’t use radiation, you do not have to worry about radiation exposure. It is important to remain still. When you move, we may not get accurate images which may impact the diagnosis.

The computer then generates a series of images from the magnetic field signals, with each image showing a thin slice of your body. The procedure takes between 20 to 90 minutes.

You will hear loud banging noises during the scan. This is caused by the movement of the magnets in the machine. If you think this will be bothersome for you, you may ask for earplugs or earmuffs to soften the loud sounds.