MRI scans do not require special preparation such as fasting, injections, or ingesting tracers. Depending upon your study, you will be lying in the scanner itself for anywhere from half an hour to an hour, so taking steps to ensure your comfort during that time (and your ability to do so in a continuous session without needing to exit the scanner unnecessarily) will make the process go more smoothly. Try to be well-rested prior to the scan, and please abstain from drinking large quantities of liquid preceding your allotted time to minimize the need for breaks.
The MRI machine is a Siemens full-body scanner with a large (70cm diameter) opening. You will be asked to lie inside the opening on a long table with soft padding and leg-rest for approximately 1 hour per session while the machine gathers information. During this time, you will be exposed to a magnetic field and radio waves. You will hear repetitive tapping noises. You will be required to wear earplugs and/or earphones to reduce the noise.
As the magnetic field presents the greatest hazard, to prepare for your scan, you will be screened for magnet-related hazards.
It is very important that you notify the researcher of any metal objects, devices or implants that are in or on your body before entering the magnet room. This includes biomedical devices such as pacemakers and aneurysm clips, prostheses, and other metallic objects embedded in the body such as bullets, buckshot, shrapnel, and any metal fragments from working around metal.
Remove all metallic objects before entering the magnet room or approaching the magnet to prevent them from becoming a projectile or being pulled by the magnet. This includes keys, jewelry, pocketknives, money clips, paper clips, safety pins, hairpins, and barrettes. In addition, objects such as watches, credits cards, and hearing aids could be damaged in the presence of the magnetic field. A locker will be provided for you to secure all your items and valuables.
For your convenience, a copy of the Screening Form, which you will fill out with the person conducting your scan, may be found here: Screening Form.
Tattoos may contain magnetic material and may become unpleasantly warm during a scan. Please discuss any tattoos with the person conducting your scan.
Surgical Implants and Devices or other metal inside the body may pose a health risk and be grounds for excluding you from being scanned. Please discuss any metal inside your body with the person conducting your scan.
If you are pregnant, though there are no known biological effects of MRI on fetuses, there are a number of mechanisms that could potentially cause adverse effects as a result of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with developing fetuses. Cells undergoing division, which occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy are more susceptible to these effects. DISC Policy is that all female participants will be required to complete the pregnancy-related questions on the MRI screening form. If the participant is uncertain of her pregnancy status, the imaging study will be delayed until she has received her next menstrual period or confirms she is not pregnant. If the participant is determined to be pregnant, the MRI will not be performed, unless the study itself is specifically designed to investigate pregnancy with IRB approval.
Dental work is not usually a problem, but specifics should be discussed with the person conducting your scan.
Glasses or contacts should be removed before your scan. Most people find it easier to remove their glasses than to take off contact lenses at the time of the scan.
Eye makeup should not be worn or removed. Some mascara, for example, contains tiny bits of metal that can move in the magnetic field and irritate your eyes or skin.
Clothing made of natural fibers, like cotton, is recommended to be worn during your scan. Some work out or yoga pants are known to have synthetic fibers that may heat up in the scanner; avoid if possible.
Avoid clothing with metal on it or in it, including bras with an underwire. Zippers (such as those on jeans) are fine, but chains are not. Loops formed by conductive materials can have currents induced in them by the magnetic field and RF pulses. Additional guidance on acceptable clothing during MRI at DISC can be found HERE.
Your comfort is important. Whether you are partaking in a research study or undergoing a clinical scan, please communicate your needs, feelings and condition to the person conducting your scan. You will be shown a squeeze ball device that will allow you to alert the personnel of any problem that arises, and the intercom system will allow you to communicate with the person conducting your scan.
