Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan

Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRIs don’t use radiation to create images. Instead, they use a magnetic and radio waves to capture detailed pictures of your bones, organs, muscles and blood vessels.

When Might You Need an MRI Scan?

Your provider may recommend an MRI any time we need to get a better look at what’s going on inside your body. These exams can be effective for a variety of issues, including orthopedic conditions and sports medicine injuries.

MRIs are more effective than CT scans in identifying differences between healthy and unhealthy soft tissues. So, your provider may order an MRI instead of a CT scan to examine specific organs or tissues.

At New England Baptist Hospital, your safety is our top priority. Because MRIs use a magnetic field, we will ask you several questions before the exam to ensure you can be scanned safely.

MRI exams take place inside large, open-ended tubes. You must lie perfectly still so we can capture the best images. The MRI machine is loud, but don’t worry. The noise is normal, and we will give you ear plugs to help reduce the sounds you hear.

After changing your clothes and removing any metal, you’ll lie down on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. The machine will make a clicking sound as it creates a magnetic field and sends radio waves to gather images. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds at various times during the exam. When the scan is over, the table will slide back out of the machine. 

You may need to rest after the exam if your provider prescribed you a sedative to take beforehand. And, if you receive contrast material, we may monitor you for a short time for any side effects. For some patients, side effects can include itching, swelling or a rash. Otherwise, MRI scans do not require any special after care.

Please call 617-754-6000 to pre-register prior to arriving for your exam. If you’ve pre-registered, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time. You should report directly to Patient Access (in the main hospital hallway) to get your paperwork.

If you do not pre-register prior to arriving for your MRI exam, please add an extra 30 minutes to the arrival times listed above and report directly to Patient Access to register for your visit.

If you’ve had imaging performed at other facilities (CT, X-rays or MRI), please upload the digital files before coming in for your appointment. Use this secure portal to upload your images. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account and upload your imaging exams.

We’ll then compare your prior images with the MRI scan we’re performing. This comparison helps the radiologist with the interpretation of your exam.  

Unless you’re having a liver, pancreas or spleen MRI, you may eat or drink anything you like before your exam because there aren’t any dietary restrictions. If you’re having a liver, pancreas or spleen MRI, please consume only a light meal (not a full breakfast, lunch or dinner) within two hours of your exam.

Some MRI exams require an intravenous (IV) contrast agent in a vein in the arm. Using a contrast provides a clearer image. If your doctor has determined that the contrast will enhance your MRI scan results, the technologist performing your exam will place an IV in your arm before you go into the MRI room.

If you are over the age of 60 years or have one of the following health conditions, you may be required to have a blood test within 30 days of your exam. This test makes sure the contrast will be safe for you.

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Lupus
• Multiple myeloma

Your care team will advise you if you need a serum creatinine test. 

It is important for you to keep your regular medication schedule. Please bring a list of all your current medications, including over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and supplements.

Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field, we need to know about any metal implants in your body. Your physician should be fully aware of these before approving and sending you for an MRI exam.  

Some common implants include:

• Heart valve or stent
• Intracranial aneurysm clips
• Metal in the eye
• Pacemaker, automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) device and/or pacing wires
• Stimulator or pump

If you have an implant, you must bring the following information to your exam:

• Manufacturer  
• Model number  
• Serial number

For most MRI exams, you will change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are private, and we provide a secure locker for your clothes. It is best, however, if you leave any valuable items at home.

If you are wearing anything metallic that might interfere with the MRI scan, we will ask you to remove it. Such items include:

• Dentures
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aids
• Jewelry

You should not have your credit cards in your pockets during the scan because the MRI magnet can affect the magnetic strip on the card.  

If you are having a brain/head scan, you should not wear make-up. This is because some cosmetics contain metals.

If you believe you are, or potentially could be, claustrophobic, please discuss with your physician before your MRI appointment. In some cases of extreme claustrophobia your physician may recommend medication to help you relax during your exam.

Only the patient can be in the MRI scan room. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent or legal guardian).

If you have a child, please make childcare arrangements for the time of your appointment. If you need to bring your child, another adult must accompany you. They’ll stay with your child in the waiting room while you have your scan.

After your MRI, you can resume your normal activities. If you receive IV contrast, please increase your normal fluid intake for 24 hours after your exam, unless your physician objects.

If you have any questions or concerns about your MRI, please call 617-754-5381 to speak with an MRI technologist.