You will be asked to change your clothes to remove anything with metal snaps or zippers. You will be required to change into a hospital gown and to remove all metallic or magnetic items, jewelry and credit cards.

An IV may be placed in your arm if your provider has ordered an exam requiring injection of MRI contrast. You will lay down on a padded table which will move gently through the MRI scanner’s opening. The table will stop moving when the area of your body to be imaged is in the center of the scanner’s magnet.

You will feel no discomfort at all but will be asked to hold as still as possible while the images are being taken. All scanners have an intercom so you can talk to a technologist at any time. Someone is always just a few steps away and happy to answer any questions you may have.

When the scan begins, you may hear a rapid knocking sound while images are being taken. We will provide earplugs or headphones to dull the sound. We also provide a selection of music for you to listen to via online music streaming. The exam is usually completed within 45-90 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned.