3 Ways To Prepare For An MRI Scan

3 Ways To Prepare For An MRI

09 Jan, 2023 posted by Daniel

If you have been told that you need to undergo an MRI scan, feeling worried or anxious is perfectly normal. Any medical procedure of any kind can be incredibly stressful, it comes with the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of what may lie ahead.

One of the most effective ways to help alleviate your fears is to properly prepare for your scan ahead of time. Thankfully, MRIs are pain-free and relatively straightforward procedures, and they are not considered particularly invasive. Nonetheless, preparation is vital and will ensure your experience is as comfortable as it can be and will help the end results. We’ve put together a guide with three tips for preparing for an MRI. Check it out below.

 

Do Some Research On MRIs

MRIs are incredibly complex machines that make use of specialist software and technical systems, such as those from CircleCVI. As a result, people can feel intimidated by the thought of getting an MRI scan and the idea can make people frightened and nervous.

However, despite their complexity, MRIs are nothing to be afraid of. They use magnets and radio waves to generate images of the inside of the body, which can then be used by healthcare professionals to aid in the diagnosis of various conditions. Breaking down MRIs into easy-to-understand terms can help dispel some of the myths surrounding the procedure and leave you feeling a lot more comfortable about your upcoming scan.

 

Wear Appropriate Clothes

As MRIs use powerful magnets to generate images, metal is not allowed to enter the machine. Some metals can react to the magnets and heat up, which can result in injury. Your clothing will be checked before your scan to ensure there is no metal, such as zips or buckles, and if so, you will be asked to change into suitable clothing provided by the staff.

Staying comfortable during your MRI is important, the best way to do this is by wearing your most comfortable clothes. However, make sure they do not have any metal attached to them to ensure you do not have to change when you arrive for your scan.

 

Use The Bathroom Before Your Scan

The length of an MRI scan can vary and will depend on what the scan is for, what parts of your body are being examined, and what type of machine is being used. Sometimes, scans can last for an hour or more. The last thing you want to do is have to leave the machine mid-scan to use the bathroom, this can mean the procedure needs to begin all over again. Make sure you use the bathroom before your scan to avoid this happening.

 

Conclusion

The best way to make your MRI scan as comfortable and straightforward as possible is to prepare thoroughly beforehand. Do some research on MRIs and how they work, wear the appropriate comfortable clothing with not attached metal, and use the bathroom before your scan to prevent any interruptions or disruptions from happening while your scan is taking place.