Preparation Guidelines
MRI: Cardiac MRI | NeuroQuant | Preparation Guidelines | Breast MRI | Loaded Lumbar Imaging | Frequently Asked Questions
MRI
- It is extremely important to bring any previous studies related to this procedure for comparison with your current examination.
- Please bring anything in writing from your referring doctor.
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- Leave all valuables at home.
- Allow one hour for each MRI exam scheduled.
- Results will be sent to your referring doctor in 2-3 business days.
- Please call us prior to appointment if you are pregnant or have a cardiac pacemaker, cardiac valves, implanted cardiac defibrillator, aneurysm clips, cochlear ear implants, heart stents, and retinal implants.
- Your appointment time includes a 15 minute registration period.
MRI-head
- Please do not wear make-up. Hair pins/clips must be removed prior to examination.
- (MRI Abdomen)- Do not eat or drink 3 hours prior to exam.
IV Sedation for MRI Scans
If you have trouble being confined in a small space (claustrophobia) or cannot lie still, intravenous (IV) sedation may help you through your scan.
Important facts to know before you receive IV sedation
You must plan for a responsible adult to take you home after your MRI. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home. Side effects are few, but you may feel drowsy the rest of the day. We advise that you do not return to work and that you are not left alone for the rest of the day.
- Do not drive a car or operate large machinery
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not make important personal or business decisions or sign legal papers
- Avoid exercise, such as swimming, biking etc.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is used to relax you and make you more comfortable during your scan. Short-acting medicine is used to make you drowsy. You may be asleep but you will wake up with ease when the doctor, nurse or technologist talks to you. Your may not be able to recall parts of or all of the scan. This is referred to as "moderate sedation". You will not be "knocked out" or unconscious. The amount of sedation you receive depends on your state of health as well as how able you are to lie still. You will need to have an IV placed into the vein of your arm. The medicine will be given into the IV.
Day of your Scan
- Do not eat or drink for six hours before your scan
- If you are diabetic and take insulin you may take half of your scheduled morning insulin dose
- You may take your prescribed medicines before your scan with sips of water
- IV sedation does not control pain. You will need to take your pain medicine as prescribed. Also, bring any prescribed inhalers that you use to the MRI scanner. Please tell the nurse about the medicines you have taken.
You will be asked to arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled scan. At that time, you will be taken to the patient changing room where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. A locker will be supplied for your valuables.
The nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing, listen to you heart and lungs, and start an IV in a vein in your arm. You will be asked to lie down on the MRI table. The nurse will place a blood pressure cuff on your arm, an oxygen clip on your finger, ECG electrodes on your chest, oxygen prongs under your nose, and music headphones or ear plugs in your ears. After you have been placed on the MRI table, the nurse will give you the medicine to help you relax. The amount you receive is based on your weight and will be adjusted based on your response.
