3T Large Bore MRI | Multi Slice CT | Ultrasound | Digital X-Ray
AMI offers the highest quality diagnostic imaging in a caring environment

MRI Patient Preparations

All patients will be asked a medical questionnaire prior to being scanned, usually by telephone with one of our schedulers or in our office at the appointment time.  Although there are no advance preparations for an MRI, such as fasting, there are precautions to having an MRI due to the magnetic properties of the scanner and how that may affect a patient.  Additionally, our instructions given in advance will help patients to become more at ease and prepared for their study.

The following metallic devices surgically implanted will prevent the ability to have an MRI:

  • Cardiac pacemaker
  • Defibrillator
  • Aneurysm clips in the brain
  • Cochlear implant for hearing restoration
  • Tens electrodes for pain control
  • Chemotherapy infusion pump
  • Penile implant
  • Metal foreign body in eye (x-ray required to determine placement)
  • Morphine pump

It is very important for our facility to know if there are other surgically-implanted metals in the body, and our scheduling staff will verify if a patient has any of the following:

  • Heart valve prosthesis
  • Middle ear ossicle prosthesis
  • Shrapnel, bullet
  • Artificial joints, plates, pins, screws, staples
  • Any other implanted metal device

General instructions for patient preparation of an MRI:

  • Remove all metal objects, such as jewelry, watch, hairpins, belt, hearing aids
  • Try to wear clothing without metal (zippers, buttons, clips).  Gowns will be available if needed
  • For Brain MRI Only – remove eye make-up (mascara, liner, shadow)
  • There are no restrictions on food, drink or medication
  • We have a wide selection of music for listening during the MRI scan, and we supply the headphones
  • Please bring insurance card(s), photo I.D., any insurance authorization, referral form/prescription