What to Bring to an MRI? Checklist
First MRI appointment? This practical guide explains what to pack, what to wear, and how to prepare so the exam goes smoothly. A little preparation now saves a lot of time during your visit and improves diagnostic quality.
In this article
Documents and previous tests
REQUIRED: ID card (or passport); National Health Fund (NFZ) card if the exam is covered by insurance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: a referral from a doctor (even for a private MRI—it helps the radiologist interpret the image in a clinical context); previous imaging studies of the same area (CDs with X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, previous MRIs)—crucial for comparison; reports of previous exams; patient card for implants (pacemaker, ICD, clips). OPTIONAL: current lab test results (creatinine if contrast is planned).
Clothing suitable for MRI
Optimal: comfortable tracksuit (pants + sweatshirt) without metal elements: no zippers, no snaps, no metal buttons, no metal decorations. Cotton T-shirt. Cotton socks (you get on the table barefoot, but you can wear clean socks). Avoid: jeans (zipper), underwire bras, bras with metal hooks, belts with buckles, jewelry. At APERTA, we have a change of clothes available—in case you arrive unprepared.
What to leave at home or in the locker
All metal items must remain outside the examination room: jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces); watches (mechanical or electronic—the magnetic field will damage them); credit cards and keys (demagnetization); cell phone (screen damaged, data lost); hearing aids (damaged by the magnetic field); hair clips (may be ferromagnetic); chip cards. Leave them at home or entrust them to your companion. APERTA has lockers with keys in the waiting room.
Food, drink, and medications
Most MRIs: eat and drink as usual. You may continue your regular medications. Abdominal or pelvic MRI with contrast: 4 hours of fasting. MRI with sedation (rare): 6 hours for food, 2 hours for water. Hypoglycemic medications (diabetes): continue, but inform us before contrast administration. Blood thinners: you may take them, but please inform us. Beta-blockers, statins, PPIs: take as usual. Coffee and caffeine: OK for most exams; for breast MRIs – avoid for 24 hours beforehand.
Psychological support and a companion
Feeling anxious? You can bring a loved one—at APERTA, this is the norm, not the exception. They may stay with you in the exam room throughout the MRI. Light premedication (Hydroxyzine, low-dose benzodiazepine)—only with a doctor’s prescription; do not purchase on your own. Headphones with music – you can bring your own playlist from YouTube/Spotify, or use our library. A stuffed toy for your child – we’ll check to make sure it doesn’t contain any metal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup during the MRI?
Yes, most cosmetics are fine. Some eyeshadows with mineral pigments (iron oxides) may cause slight eye irritation.
What about sunscreen?
Mineral-based ones (zinc, titanium) may cause a slight warming sensation. Regular chemical filters are safe.
Can I have hair extensions?
Metal clips – yes, we’ll check them. Synthetic hair – OK.
I have permanent braces—what should I do?
Most are titanium = OK. Notify the technician; facial image artifacts are possible.
Can I have an MRI during my period?
Yes, no problem (except for breast MRIs, where we recommend days 7–14 of your cycle).
What if I forget my previous results?
We’ll perform the exam, but the report will be less comprehensive. Please try to bring them.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation.
