What You Shouldn't Do Before an MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images. Good preparation improves image quality and safety. Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes before your scan.

Quick Checklist: What Not to Do

• Do not wear or bring metal items such as jewellery, piercings, watches, hairpins, or coins.
• Do not apply cosmetics that can contain tiny metals such as some mascaras, eyeliners, glitter, or metallic powders.
• Do not use lotions, oils, self tanners, or thick hair products on the day of the scan if the area is being imaged.
• Do not keep transdermal patches on if they have metallic backing. Ask if you should remove and replace after.
• Do not ignore fasting instructions. Some exams or sedation require no food for a set time.
• Do not drink caffeine or energy drinks if your doctor advised you to avoid them.
• Do not do heavy exercise just before an MRI that measures flow or inflammation.
• Do not arrive in tight or metal trimmed clothing. Avoid zips, hooks, underwire bras, or heat reactive logos.
• Do not forget implant or device cards. Pacemaker, cochlear implant, aneurysm clip, or stimulator cards are required.
• Do not skip telling staff about pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disease, or prior contrast reactions.
• Do not plan to drive yourself home if you will be sedated.

Food and Drink

Follow the instructions on your booking letter. If fasting is required, stop food at the stated time and take only approved clear fluids. Avoid alcohol. Limit caffeine if your clinician asked you to do so. If you have diabetes, ask for a plan for meals and medications on the day.

Medications

Do not stop regular medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Bring a current medication list. If you take pain patches, nitro patches, or other transdermal patches, ask if the patch should be removed. Some patches contain metal and can heat during MRI.

Metal and Implants

• Do not enter the scanner room with keys, phones, cards, or metal tools.
• Do not assume an implant is safe. Tell staff about any pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, aneurysm clip, neurostimulator, insulin pump, or metallic fragments.
• Bring written proof of MRI safety if you have an implant. Device make and model is essential.

Skin, Hair, and Cosmetics

Avoid makeup with shimmer, metallic deodorants, heavy hair sprays, and self tanner on the area to be scanned. Some products can contain metal and cause artefact or skin heating.

Clothing and Personal Items

Wear plain cotton clothing without metal. Many patients change into a gown. Remove hearing aids, removable dental work, wigs with metal fasteners, piercings, and smartwatches.

Activity Before the Scan

Avoid strenuous workouts in the hours before scans that assess inflammation or blood flow. Normal light activity is fine unless told otherwise.

Contrast Injections

Some MRI exams use gadolinium contrast. Do not ignore screening questions about kidney function or prior reactions. Tell staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hydration is usually helpful unless you have fluid limits.

Claustrophobia and Sedation

If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, do not wait until arrival to mention it. Ask your doctor about options such as open MRI, music, or a light sedative. Do not drive after sedation. Arrange an escort.

Children and MRI

For children, avoid caffeine and sugary drinks before the scan. Bring comfort items with no metal. Follow any fasting plan if sedation is planned. Arrive early to allow time to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I eat before my MRI Only if your instructions allow it. Some scans and sedation require fasting.
• Can I take my regular medicines Yes unless told otherwise. Bring your medication list.
• What if I have a pacemaker Tell the clinic when booking. Only specific devices are MRI conditional and require a set protocol.

Key Takeaway

Avoid metal, follow fasting and medication instructions, and disclose implants and medical conditions. This protects your safety and improves image quality. If unsure, contact the clinic before your appointment.