MRI

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a medical test that is performed to help doctors diagnose a variety of medical conditions. MRIs are most commonly performed on the brain, breast, spine, heart, or legs, but they can be performed on any part of the body.

Instead of radiation, MRI uses a combination of radio waves and a magnetic field to create a detailed picture of a cross-section or slice of the body. The procedure is painless and has no side effects associated with it.

Locations

Musculoskeletal Institute
Storrs - UConn Campus
UConn John Dempsey Hospital

Meet Our Team

What You Need To Know Before Your Exam

Typically an MRI exam can range from 20 minutes to over 1 hour.
You will be asked to change into a gown prior to your MRI.
Continue to take all of your prescribed medications.
You will hear loud knocking and buzzing during the scan.
Please do not bring children under age 12 to your appointment.

General Preparation Instructions

The table moves in and out to position you for your MRI.

Listen to the sound of an MRI machine.

Preparing For Your Exam

In addition to our general preparation instructions, you will be asked to change into a gown prior to your MRI.

Due to the powerful magnets that the MRI machine uses, it is important to remove the following items before entering the machine:

Jewelry
Watches
Glasses
Hairpins
Hearing aids
Bras with underwire
Dentures
Medication patches (e.g., nicotine or pain patch)
Clothing labeled as antimicrobial, antibacterial, or having “silver technology"

Generally, anything with metal should be removed or brought to the attention of a technologist before entering the MRI scan room.

Before your MRI, please discuss with your doctor if you have any of the following, as the magnetic field may cause interference:

If you are having an MRI of the prostate, you are asked to have an enema the night before your exam. Please do not consume any food for four hours prior to your appointment.

If you are having an MRCP, please do not consume any food for four hours prior to your appointment.

Please continue to take all of your prescribed medications. Bring a list of your medications to your appointment that includes the name of the medication, the dose, and the dose frequency.

For additional information, please visit RadiologyInfo.org.

During Your Exam

Our state-of-the-art MRI machines are short, tube-like structures. You will lie down for the duration of the test, and you will be able to hear the voice of the technologist who is conducting the MRI from an attached room. You will be able to speak to the technologist via a microphone located within the MRI machine. You can expect to hear some loud knocking and buzzing during the scan, and we will provide you with earplugs or headphones.

MRI can be a lengthy exam ranging from 20 minutes to over 1 hour, depending on the scan your doctor ordered. Please do not bring children with you to your appointment.

After Your Exam

Download MRI Preparation Instructions