Preparing for imaging techniques

Wear comfortable clothes

Wear comfortable clothes and contact the imaging location to learn about any restrictions on what to wear or what they need to do in preparation.

Make sure that your clothes do not have any metal zippers, buttons, buckles or hooks, however, as all metal objects (including jewelry, belts, eyeglasses and even dentures!) need to be removed during the scan.

Leave your valuables at home

You will need to remove all jewelry and leave any other items in another room when having the scan so take only the essentials with you. Or, if you have a friend or family member with you, ask them to take care of them for you.

Take a pillow with you

You may be allowed to take a small pad or pillow into the scanner with you to help you lie still more comfortably during the scan. Check with your healthcare team in advance to see if these are already provided.

Pack a snack

Depending on the type of scan you are having your might be asked to refrain from eating, drinking, or both, for a few hours before the scan is scheduled. Check with your healthcare team if you are not sure.

Take something to eat or drink for after the scan if you think you’ll be particularly hungry or thirsty as you should be able to eat and drink as normal right after.

Ask if you need help

Let the healthcare team know in advance if you will need an interpreter to help understand what is happening during your appointment.

Also, if you are particularly worried or are having MRI and have a fear of small spaces (a condition known as claustrophobia) tell your healthcare team. You may be prescribed an oral medication to help you relax.

Ask for the same radiologist to perform the scan

It may not be possible, but if you are able to, it might make you feel more comfortable if you ask to see the same radiologist to perform your scan.