MRI scans do not require any special preparation from the patients. To maintain proper body hydration if the scan is performed using a contrast agent, it is recommended to drink about one litre of liquids (water, or weak tea). It is important to wear loose clothes for the scan, particularly without any metal elements such as buttons, belts, wrist watches, keys, bank cards or mobile phones (they can demagnetise easily). In the event of a head and eye socket scan, do not apply any make-up and avoid using hair sprays. Cosmetics contain metal particles that falsify test results.

It is possible to drive vehicles immediately after the scan and patients are allowed to take medicines before the scan because MRI does not affect their action. MRI scans can be performed at any time during a menstrual cycle, also during the menstrual period.

Contraindications include:

  • implanted electrical devices, such as defibrillators or pacemakers, neurostimulators or cochlear implants
  • metal foreign bodies in soft tissues (e.g. vascular clips after laparoscopic procedures or their fragments around blood vessels, parenchymatous organs or eyeballs, orthopaedic plates, etc.)
  • claustrophobia (a pathological fear of small, enclosed spaces)
  • moreover, MRI is not recommended in women during the 1st trimester of pregnancy

Inform the person performing the scan about the following:

Before the examination:

  • whether you have a pacemaker, metal clips or other metal elements in your body
  • whether you have any known allergies or experienced any allergic reactions to drugs or contrast agents in the past
  • whether you suffer from claustrophobia
  • whether you are susceptible to bleeding (haemorrhagic diathesis) while using intravenous contrast agents

During the examination:

  • any sudden discomforts (e.g. a feeling of claustrophobia)
  • any adverse effects occurring immediately after administration of the contrast agent (breathlessness, dizziness, nausea)
  • Important! Patients with artificial heart valves, orthopaedic prostheses or implanted vascular clips after neurosurgical or vascular procedures are obliged to provide their complete medical documentation to the MRI laboratory, concerning the treatment applied together with the type of implant used, particularly the material it is made of.
  • MRI scans are painless but may cause a feeling of slight discomfort due to the necessity to remain in the same position for some time (from several minutes to a few quarters). During the scan, it is necessary to lie still because it has an influence on the quality of the MRI result. Despite being closed during the scan, patients can always communicate with the examining staff.

Please arrive to your appointment 15 minutes in advance in order to complete the “MRI Questionnaire”.