MRI Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment

A simple guide to MRI preparation, safety screening, scan noise, contrast, keeping still and receiving your results.

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency energy and rapidly changing magnetic gradients to create detailed images of the body. It does not use ionising radiation.

MRI is commonly used to examine the brain, spine, nerves, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone marrow, breast, prostate, liver, pelvis and other internal organs. The exact images acquired depend on the clinical question on your referral.

Before your appointment

Your referral and relevant clinical information should be provided before the appointment so the MRI team can select the correct protocol.

Tell the clinic about implants, medical devices, previous surgery and any metal in or on your body.
Advise the clinic if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Tell the clinic if you have kidney disease, a previous reaction to MRI contrast or severe allergies.
Follow the specific fasting or preparation instructions supplied for your examination.
Ask your treating clinician in advance about medication if you are very anxious or claustrophobic. Do not drive after sedating medication.

You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewellery, body piercings, watches, hearing aids, phones, cards, wearable devices and other metal or electronic items.

During the scan

You will lie on a padded table. A specialised receiver called a coil may be placed around the body part being examined. The table moves into the scanner, which is open at both ends.

MRI makes loud tapping, knocking or buzzing sounds as the imaging sequences are acquired. Hearing protection is provided and if you are head first into the bore you may be able to watch a movie/TV. You will be able to communicate with the MRI radiographer and will be given a call device.

Keeping still is important because movement can blur the images. Some chest and abdominal examinations also require short breath-holds. The length of the scan depends on the body region and the number of sequences required.

Will I need MRI contrast?

Not every MRI requires contrast. A gadolinium-based contrast agent may be recommended when it can help show blood vessels, inflammation, infection, tumour enhancement, scarring or active disease. The team will review relevant safety information before giving contrast.

After the scan

Most patients can return to normal activity immediately. If you took sedating or anti-anxiety medication, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and should follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions.

A radiologist interprets the images and sends a report to the referring clinician. The report must be considered with your symptoms, examination, history and other tests.

Related Patient Guides

PG1002 – Why Does 3T MRI Mean? Why Protocol Design Still Matters
PG1003 – MRI Safety with Implants, Devices, Metal and Body Piercings
PG1004 – Claustrophobia and Anxiety During MRI
PG1005 – MRI Contrast Gadolinium Explained
PG1006 – Whole-Body MRI for Cancer Staging, Surveillance and Selected Screening
PG1007 – Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Whole-Body MRI: A Simple Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page

Is MRI painful?

MRI itself is usually painless, although lying still or positioning an injured body part can be uncomfortable.

How long does an MRI take?

The time varies. A routine regional examination may take around 30–45 minutes, while complex, multi-region or whole-body protocols may take longer.

Can I stop the scan?

Yes. You can communicate with the radiographer throughout the examination and use the call device if you need assistance.

Important: The preparation instructions supplied for your specific booking take priority over this general guide.

PATIENT GUIDE • PG-1001 [Patient information: A simple guide to MRI preparation, safety screening, scan noise, contrast, keeping still and receiving your results]

To read more on 3T MRI please see below:

Looking for the best MRI on the Gold Coast?

MRI quality can vary between providers. Ask about scanner strength, image resolution, protocol design, specialised sequences and radiologist expertise – not simply how quickly the scan can be performed. MBR Health offers cutting edge, world class, advanced sequences developed in-house on our research grade 3T MRI.