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UCLA Health - Your MRI: What to know before you go | UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

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Author: UCLA Health
Categories: Health Lifestyle
Tags: health, lifestyle
Views: 2 · Last viewed: 2026-10-16 15:02 UTC

Short Summary

Main recommendation: Prepare for your MRI by following the clinic's instructions (often not eating for a couple of hours beforehand), removing all clothing and jewelry except underwear, and staying completely still during the scan. The MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to image organs, muscles, and joints, and it is painless, though the noise and enclosed space can feel unsettling for some.

Key Points

  • Expect a questionnaire at check-in and a waiting area before your turn; the technologist then takes you to change into a gown.
  • Metal on your body can interfere with the magnet, so all jewelry and clothing (other than underwear) must come off, with lockers available for your belongings.
  • The scanner is a long, narrow open-ended tube; the table slides you in, and the technologist watches from an adjacent room via a window and camera.
  • Gadolinium contrast may be injected to enhance images, which can feel cold and leave a funny taste.
  • You have an alarm button, a two-way microphone, and a fan, and the scan stops immediately if you signal discomfort.
  • If you feel claustrophobic, medication may be offered, and a parent can stay in the room with you.

Details Worth Noting

  • Concrete instructions: Ask clinic staff how to prepare when booking; typically do not eat for a couple of hours before the appointment. Fill out the check-in questionnaire, change into a gown after removing all clothing and jewelry except underwear, and store your belongings in a locker. Stay as still as possible, and if asked, hold your breath for up to 30 seconds. For a functional MRI, you may be asked to perform simple tasks such as repeating a word or tapping your fingers. Press the alarm button if you feel any discomfort. Ask the technologist beforehand how long the scan will take.
  • Scan length ranges from about 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the images needed.
  • The machine produces loud tapping and thumping noises; earplugs or headphones with music may be provided.
  • If you were given sedating medication, you may need to stay a little longer after the scan before going home; otherwise you can resume normal activities immediately.
  • The doctor, not the technologist, shares the results.

Bottom Line

An MRI is a painless, non-invasive imaging test; preparing as instructed and staying still are the main things that determine a smooth, clear result.