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MRI Preparations

New Jersey MRI Services

There is not a lot you need to do to prepare for an MRI scan. The exam does not expose you to radiation, making the test very safe and noninvasive. There are, however, some things you should discuss with your physician so that you know what to expect and they are aware of any circumstances that could impact the results of the test.

What to Expect

If you have claustrophobia or sensitivity to loud noises, a traditional closed MRI may be uncomfortable. If this makes it difficult for you to remain still during the scan, your doctor may prescribe a sedative. We also offer Open MRI and Upright MRI options for your comfort.

Important Considerations

Let your doctor know if you have any metal implants, as the magnetic fields used in an MRI can interfere with them. This includes:

  • Pacemakers and artificial heart valves

  • Brain aneurysm clips

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

  • Prosthetic joints

  • Metal plates, pins, screws, or surgical staples

  • Cochlear implants

  • Tooth fillings (usually not an issue, but still worth mentioning)

You will need to remove any hearing aids, glasses, hairpins, or jewelry before the scan. Remove metallic, glitter, or sparkle nail polish prior to your scan. If you are pregnant or think you may be, inform your doctor before your MRI.

Appointment Guidelines

Please note that all patients will be required to change into a gown prior to their MRI.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time and bring the following information with you:

  • Script, Insurance Card and Photo ID

  • Provide Tracking Number, and Referral (if applicable)

  • Co-payment, co-insurance, and/or deductible is due at the time of your appointment. Contact your insurance provider if you have questions about your plan or coverage.

  • This exam may require prior authorization from your insurance provider before we can perform the study.

  • Please bring any prior relevant studies and reports to your appointment.

Before Your Visit

You will receive an email shortly with important information about your appointment, it will include a link for registration paperwork and procedure instructions, please be on the lookout for that information, we strongly encourage you to complete your paperwork and submit a copy of your script before your appointment.

After your exam, you can access your results online through the AMI Patient Portal.

MRI Preparation Instructions:

  • MRI Abdomen:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Abdomen and Pelvis:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Abdomen and Pelvis (Small Bowel):

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Preparation will be given in the office.

  • Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • You must arrive 1 hour prior to your exam.

  • MRI Abdomen and Pelvis (Urogram):

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Ankle:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Anorectal:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • 4 hours prior to your exam you should eat a light meal and avoid all caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, etc.).

  • 1-2 hours prior to your exam you must administer a Fleet Enema kit (Kit may be purchased at a local pharmacy). If you are on dialysis or in renal failure, DO NOT do enema prep, please contact our office.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Arthrogram:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Brachial Plexus:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Brain:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Brain (Pituitary):

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Brain IACS:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Breast:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • Important Notes:

  • Your appointment must be scheduled between the 7th and 14th day of your menstrual cycle.

  • If you had prior breast imaging exams performed at another facility, please bring any Mammogram, Ultrasound Breast, and MRI Breast reports and images to your exam. If prior imaging is not provided at the time of exam, your exam may be rescheduled.

  • MRI Breast Biopsy:

  • NO PREPARATION REQUIRED

  • MRI Cardiac Morphology & Function:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • No caffeine day of study.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Cervical Spine:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Chest:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Defecography:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • 4 hours prior to your exam you should eat a light meal and avoid all caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, etc.).

  • 1-2 hours prior to your exam you must administer a Fleet Enema kit (Kit may be purchased at a local pharmacy). If you are on dialysis or in renal failure, DO NOT do enema prep, please contact our office.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Elbow:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Elastography:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • Drink 16 oz of water 1 hour prior to your exam (You may void your bladder).

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Femur:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Flex Extension:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Foot:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Forearm:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Hand:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If you have metallic, glitter, or sparkle nail polish you will need to remove it prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Hip:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Humerus:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Knee:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI MRCP w/wo (3D):

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • Drink 16 oz of water 1 hour prior to your exam (You may void your bladder).

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Neck Face:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Orbit:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Pelvis:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Prostate:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • You must avoid sexual activity (ejaculation) for 3 days prior to your exam.

  • 4 hours prior to your exam you should eat a light meal and avoid all caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, etc.).

  • 1-2 hours prior to your exam you must administer a Fleet Enema kit (Kit may be purchased at a local pharmacy). If you are on dialysis or in renal failure, DO NOT do enema prep, please contact the office.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Shoulder:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Spectroscopy:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Tibula Fibula:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI TMJ:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Toe:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • If you have metallic, glitter, or sparkle nail polish you will need to remove it prior to your exam.

  • MRI Upper Extremity:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRI Wrist:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Abdomen:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your exam.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Chest:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Head:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Lower Extremity:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Lumbar Spine:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Neck:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Pelvis:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Spine:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Thoracic Spine:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.

  • MRA Upper Extremity:

  • Glucose monitoring devices (Freestyle Libre Flash, etc.) and medication patches must be removed prior to your exam to avoid damage.

  • If your test requires an IV injection, please be sure you are well hydrated and drink plenty of water the day prior to your exam.