How to Prepare for an MRI Scan: Practical Checklist (UK 2026)

How to prepare for an MRI scan: a practical checklist

You’ve booked an MRI. Now what? The information you get from the clinic is usually accurate but minimal — and people often arrive on the day unsure whether they’ve eaten the right thing, worn the right clothes, or remembered to mention all the right metal.

This is the practical guide. Below: what to do in the days, hours, and minutes before your MRI to make sure it actually happens and gives the best possible results.

The short answer

The week before: - Confirm your appointment - Identify any metal in your body and tell the clinic - Discuss claustrophobia, sedation, or contrast if relevant

The day before: - Check what to wear and what to leave at home - Confirm whether you need to fast (depends on the scan) - Arrange transport if having sedation

The day of: - Wear loose clothing with no metal - Remove jewellery, hairpins, watches - Arrive 15 minutes early - Empty pockets and bladder before going in

The detail is in the differences — the right preparation depends partly on which body part is being scanned.

The MRI safety questionnaire

Every reputable clinic gives you a safety questionnaire before the scan. Many also send it in advance. Read it carefully — wrong answers can compromise your safety and image quality.

The standard questions cover:

Metal in your body

This is the big one. MRI is a powerful magnet — anything ferromagnetic can move, heat up, or distort the images. The clinic needs to know about:

• Pacemakers / defibrillators — many modern ones are MRI-conditional but need specific protocols; older ones may be unsafe

• Cochlear implants — most are MRI-incompatible

• Aneurysm clips — older ones may be unsafe; modern titanium clips are usually fine

• Heart valve replacements — most modern ones are MRI-safe

• Joint replacements — almost all are MRI-safe, though they may cause image distortion in adjacent areas

• Pins, screws, plates — almost all modern orthopaedic metalwork is MRI-safe (titanium, modern stainless steel)

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs / coils) — modern ones are MRI-safe

• Dental implants and fillings — almost always fine

• Surgical clips in any part of the body

• Stents (cardiac, vascular) — almost all modern stents are MRI-safe after the first 6 weeks; check with the clinic

• Cochlear implants — see above

• Eye implants — some metal-containing eye implants are unsafe

• Embedded metal fragments (welders, anyone with eye trauma history with metal objects) — needs an orbital X-ray first to check

If you’re not sure about something in your body, say so. The clinic can usually look it up — most implants have model numbers and manufacturer details, and there are databases of MRI safety.

Tattoos and permanent makeup

Some older tattoos used inks with metallic pigments and can rarely heat up during MRI. Modern tattoos are almost always fine but tell the clinic. Permanent eye makeup (eyeliner tattoo) occasionally causes mild irritation — again, mention it.

Pregnancy

MRI is generally considered safe in pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester. Gadolinium contrast is avoided in pregnancy unless essential. Tell the clinic if you are or might be pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Standard MRI is fine. Gadolinium contrast passes into milk in tiny amounts and is generally considered safe for the infant, but some clinicians advise expressing and discarding milk for 12–24 hours after contrast.

Claustrophobia

Mentioned earlier — flag this at booking, not on the day. See our claustrophobia and MRI guide.

Kidney function

For contrast-enhanced MRI, recent blood tests for kidney function (eGFR) may be required, particularly if you’re over 60, have diabetes, or known kidney disease.

Medications

Most medications don’t affect MRI. Tell the clinic about any you take, especially: - Diabetic medications (relevant for some abdominal MRI prep) - Blood thinners (relevant if MR arthrogram with joint injection is planned) - Allergies to medications, particularly previous contrast reactions

What to wear

The basic principle: clothes you can stay in for the scan, no metal anywhere.

Good choices: - Cotton or natural fibre t-shirt with no print or transfer - Loose joggers or leggings without zip or button - Sports bra without underwire (women, for spine, chest, abdominal MRI) - Socks with no metal - Slip-on shoes for quick removal

Avoid: - Jeans (rivets, zips, button) - Bras with underwire or metal clasps (for relevant scans) - Anything with metallic thread, print, or transfer (some sports clothing has small metallic strands) - Embellished or sequinned clothing - Anything with embedded magnets (some fitness wear)

Most clinics provide gowns. If your own clothes aren’t MRI-safe, you’ll change. This is fine but adds 5–10 minutes to your visit.

What to remove

Before going into the scanner, you’ll remove:

• Jewellery (including wedding rings if possible — they’re usually fine but ask)

• Watch

• Glasses (you’ll have substitutes if needed for the scan)

• Hairpins, clips, ties with metal

• Hearing aids

• Removable dentures with metal

• Dental retainers with metal

• Body piercings (most should come out)

• Belt

• Coins, keys, phone, cards in pockets

Anything with magnetic strips (credit cards, hotel keys) can be wiped by the scanner.

Eating and drinking

This depends on the scan:

• Most musculoskeletal MRI (knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, spine): eat and drink normally

• Most brain MRI: eat and drink normally

• MRI abdominal or small bowel: usually some fasting required (clinic will specify, typically 4–6 hours)

• Pelvic MRI: sometimes asked to drink water beforehand to fill the bladder, sometimes asked to empty it — clinic will specify

• Cardiac MRI: may require avoiding caffeine for 24 hours; some protocols require stopping certain medications

If the clinic doesn’t tell you to fast, you don’t need to.

On the day of the scan

Before leaving home

• Bring your appointment confirmation

• Bring a list of any metal in your body (model numbers if you have them)

• Bring identification and insurance details if relevant

• Use the toilet before leaving (you may not get another chance for an hour)

• Take regular medications unless told otherwise

Arriving at the clinic

• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment

• Bring a book or phone for the waiting room (the phone stays out of the scan room)

• Be prepared to fill in any forms not done in advance

In the scan room

• The radiographer will explain the scan and any positioning

• They’ll give you earplugs and/or headphones

• They’ll position you on the bed

• They’ll set up any coils (sensors that sit around the body part being scanned)

• You’ll be slid into the scanner

• The radiographer will go to the control room — you can still talk via intercom

• The scan starts

During the scan

• Lie as still as possible (movement degrades images)

• The scanner will make loud noises during imaging sequences and pauses between

• The radiographer will talk to you between sequences

• A scan typically lasts 20–45 minutes; complex ones longer

• A panic button is in your hand — press if you need to stop

After the scan

• The bed slides out

• You sit up gradually (most people are fine immediately)

• You get changed back into your clothes

• You can drive and resume normal activities (unless sedated)

• The radiologist’s report follows in 3–7 working days typically

Specific scan preparation

Brain MRI

• Eat and drink normally

• Wear comfortable clothes with no metal near your head (no jewellery, hairpins)

• If you have permanent eye makeup, mention it

• Tell the clinic about any cosmetic implants in your head

Spine MRI

• Eat and drink normally

• Wear loose clothes with no metal on the spine area

• Bras without underwire / metal hooks

• Empty bladder before the scan

Knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist MRI

• Eat and drink normally

• Loose clothes for the body part being scanned (sweatpants, t-shirt)

• Remove jewellery on the relevant limb

• Joint replacements in the scan area aren’t usually contraindications but can cause image distortion

Abdominal MRI

• Often some fasting (clinic will specify — typically 4–6 hours)

• Sometimes specific bowel preparation (less common than for CT)

• Drink water as advised

• Loose top to make the abdomen accessible

Pelvic MRI

• Specific bladder instructions (full or empty depending on protocol)

• Sometimes vaginal or rectal contrast is used for specific indications

• The clinic will brief you

Prostate MRI (multiparametric)

• Some clinics ask you to take a small enema beforehand to clear the rectum (improves image quality of the prostate from the back)

• Mostly eat and drink normally

• Specific positioning may be used

Cardiac MRI

• May require avoiding caffeine for 12–24 hours

• ECG leads will be placed on your chest

• Breath-holds during the scan

• May involve contrast

• Allow 60–90 minutes total

MR arthrogram (joint injection contrast)

• You’ll have a joint injection before the scan, usually under ultrasound or X-ray

• Cleansing of the skin

• Local anaesthetic, then contrast injection

• Brief discomfort during injection

• Then the MRI itself

• Total time: 45–75 minutes

• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the injection

• Mild discomfort in the joint for a day or two is normal

If you need sedation

If oral sedation is planned:

• You’ll be prescribed it in advance (usually diazepam)

• Take it 30–60 minutes before the scan, on an empty stomach unless told otherwise

• Don’t drive on the day of the scan

• Arrange someone to bring you and take you home

• Don’t drink alcohol on the same day

• Avoid making important decisions for the rest of the day

• Effects last 4–8 hours

What to bring with you

• Photo ID

• Appointment confirmation

• Insurance details if relevant

• List of metal implants and any model numbers

• List of medications

• Recent blood test results (eGFR) if contrast is planned and clinic has asked for them

• Music playlist on your phone if the clinic allows

• A friend or partner if having sedation

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my phone into the scan room? No. Phones contain metal and can be damaged or affect the scan. Lockers are usually provided.

Can I have my contact lenses in? Yes, for most scans. Mention it if you have any unusual lens material.

Can I wear deodorant? Most are fine. Some metallic-particle deodorants can cause issues — your clinic will advise.

Can I wear makeup? Generally yes, but avoid heavy eye makeup which can occasionally heat slightly. Permanent eye makeup is usually fine but mention it.

What if I urgently need to go to the toilet during the scan? Press the panic button. The scan can be paused and resumed.

Can I bring my child or partner into the scan room? For most scans, no — they wait in reception. For specific situations (severely anxious patients, paediatric scans), the clinic may allow a supporter in the room, provided they have no MRI contraindications themselves.

What if I get cramps lying still? Most scans aren’t long enough for this to be a major problem, but if you have known leg cramps or back issues, mention it. The radiographer can sometimes position you with a small pillow or knee support.

Can I sleep during the MRI? Some people do. It’s fine — just don’t move when you wake up. The noise usually prevents deep sleep.

Will I feel anything during the scan? A few people feel a tingling or warmth in the area being scanned, particularly with strong magnets. It’s not painful and stops when the sequence ends. Tell the radiographer if uncomfortable.

How accurate is MRI if I move slightly? Small movements degrade images. Significant movement requires sequences to be repeated. Try to stay as still as possible, particularly during sequences (when the noise is loud) — small movements between sequences (when the noise pauses) matter less.

In summary

MRI preparation is mostly common sense plus attention to detail. Wear loose, metal-free clothes. Remove jewellery, watch, hair clips. Mention any metal in your body, any claustrophobia concerns, any pregnancy, any allergies.

For musculoskeletal and most neurological scans, eat and drink normally. For abdominal, pelvic, and cardiac scans, follow the specific instructions you’re given.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Empty your bladder. Be honest on the safety questionnaire. If you’re nervous, tell the radiographer — they’re used to it and can help.

Most MRI scans go smoothly. The right preparation just makes that more likely.

About the author

Dr Chun Tang (MBChB, MRCGP, MBA) is a GMC-registered private GP and co-founder of Northwest Health in Bamber Bridge, Preston. He has been featured in The Daily Telegraph, The Mirror, BBC and GB News.

Need a private MRI?Book at Northwest Health — usually within 7 days, with a clinical conversation before and proper results review after.