What to Know Before Your MRI

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for an abdomen MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–75 minutes before the scan, depending on location.
• Fasting: Abdomen MRIs at Shields typically require fasting for 4–8 hours. Patients with conditions such as diabetes may be asked to fast for a shorter time.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Abdomen MRIs often require contrast, which is given through a small IV. Contrast highlights abdominal organs and blood vessels for clearer imaging. Patients may notice a brief cool or warm sensation.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back on the MRI table.
• At times, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath to reduce motion.
• The exam usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for an abdomen and pelvis MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Abdomen and pelvis MRIs typically require fasting for 4–6 hours. Patients with conditions such as diabetes may be asked to fast for a shorter time.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: These scans often require contrast, given through a small IV. Contrast highlights organs and blood vessels so radiologists can see more detail.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back on the MRI table.
• You may be asked to briefly hold your breath for clear images.
• The exam usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for an angiogram MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–60 minutes before the scan, depending on location and whether labs are needed.
• Fasting: Angio MRIs often require fasting for 2–6 hours before the scan.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Angiogram MRIs almost always include contrast, given through a small IV. Contrast highlights blood vessels for clear, detailed images.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back on the MRI table.
• You may be asked to hold your breath briefly at times.
• The scan usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for an arthrogram MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 45–90 minutes before the scan to allow time for injection and prep.
• Fasting: Some arthrogram exams allow clear liquids up to 2 hours before the scan. Your instructions will confirm whether fasting applies.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Arthrogram MRIs always include contrast injected into the joint being studied.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position the joint being studied and ensure comfort.
• After injection, the table moves into the scanner.
• The scan usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a brain MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–45 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Breast MRIs at Shields typically require fasting for 4–6 hours. Patients with certain conditions, such as diabetes, may receive shorter fasting instructions.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Breast MRIs almost always include contrast, given through a small IV. Contrast highlights breast tissue and blood vessels so radiologists can see more detail. Most patients feel only a quick pinch, with a brief cool or warm sensation.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you lying on your stomach with your breasts placed into a cushioned coil that keeps them in optimal position.
• Once you’re comfortable, the table moves into the MRI scanner. Contrast is usually administered about halfway through the scan.
• The scan usually lasts 30–45 minutes (sometimes shorter if A.I.-enabled technology is used). Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a breast MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–45 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Breast MRIs at Shields typically require fasting for 4–6 hours. Patients with certain conditions, such as diabetes, may receive shorter fasting instructions.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Breast MRIs almost always include contrast, given through a small IV. Contrast highlights breast tissue and blood vessels so radiologists can see more detail. Most patients feel only a quick pinch, with a brief cool or warm sensation.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you lying on your stomach with your breasts placed into a cushioned coil that keeps them in optimal position.
• Once you’re comfortable, the table moves into the MRI scanner. Contrast is usually administered about halfway through the scan.
• The scan usually lasts 30–45 minutes (sometimes shorter if A.I.-enabled technology is used). Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

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General Notes

These are general guidelines for a Cardiac MRI. Exact instructions may vary based on your Shields location, your health, and your physician’s order. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Fasting is required prior to your scan. The length of fasting and diet restrictions (including caffeine or cardiac diet instructions) vary by location. Follow the specific fasting and diet instructions provided to you by Shields.
• Medications: Continue medications unless otherwise instructed. Patients with diabetes may receive modified instructions regarding insulin or fasting.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Special Considerations: Male patients may be asked to shave their chest to allow proper placement of monitoring leads. Certain exams may require recent lab work prior to your appointment. You will receive instructions from Shields if this consideration is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on the MRI table.
• You’ll usually lie on your back.
• The scan usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a head and neck MRI (including orbital exams). Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Most head and neck MRIs do not require fasting. You’ll be informed in advance if fasting is needed.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some head and neck MRIs require contrast, especially orbital studies. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed for your scan.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position your head and neck in a cushioned head or neck coil to ensure stability and clear images.
• You’ll usually lie on your back.
• The scan usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a liver MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Liver MRIs typically require fasting for 4–6 hours. Patients with conditions such as diabetes may be asked to fast for a shorter time.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Liver MRIs almost always require contrast to highlight blood flow and liver tissue. The contrast is given through a small IV and may cause a brief cool or warm sensation.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back on the MRI table.
• You may be asked to briefly hold your breath during parts of the scan.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a lower extremity MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Fasting is not typically required for lower extremity MRIs.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some exams require contrast. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position your leg, knee, foot, or ankle inside a special coil for clear imaging.
• You’ll usually lie on your back, sometimes with cushions to support the joint.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for an MRCP exam, which focuses on imaging the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: MRCP exams typically require fasting for 4–6 hours. Clear liquids may sometimes be permitted — your instructions will specify.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some MRCP exams include contrast. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back inside the scanner.
• You may be asked to briefly hold your breath for certain images.
• The exam usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a pelvis MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Pelvis MRIs often require fasting for about 4 hours, particularly for female/GYN studies. Patients with diabetes should consult their Shields team for modified instructions.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some pelvis MRIs require contrast. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back on the MRI table.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a prostate MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting & Prep: Prostate MRIs often require special preparation, such as avoiding sexual activity for 48–72 hours, taking medication (such as Gas-X), and sometimes using a fleet enema. Instructions vary by location and physician request, and you’ll receive exact details in advance.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Prostate MRIs almost always include contrast, given through a small IV, to highlight the prostate and surrounding tissues.

What to Expect During the Scan

• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.
• A technologist will help position you on your back inside the scanner.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.

Play Video

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a rectal MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting & Prep: Prep often includes a fleet enema the night before or hours before the scan, depending on your appointment time. You’ll be given exact instructions in advance.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some rectal MRIs require contrast. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you on your back inside the scanner.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a shoulder MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Fasting is not typically required for shoulder MRIs.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some shoulder MRIs require contrast to highlight soft tissues and blood vessels. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you in the “superman” position (lying face down with the arm extended overhead) or on your back with your arm at your side, depending on the best view needed.
• The exam usually lasts 30–45 minutes. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.

General Notes

These are general guidelines to help you know what to expect for a spine MRI. Exact instructions will differ based on your Shields location, your health, or your physician’s request. You’ll receive personalized instructions from Shields before your exam (by text, email, or phone), and those must be followed carefully.

General Preparation

• Arrival: Patients are generally asked to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scan.
• Fasting: Spine MRIs typically do not require fasting.
• Attire: Please remove all jewelry and metal objects and change into hospital attire.
• Contrast: Some spine MRIs require contrast, especially for evaluating nerves, discs, or previous surgery sites. You’ll be informed in advance if contrast is needed.

What to Expect During the Scan

• A technologist will help position you lying flat on your back inside the scanner.
• Foam pads or cushions may be used to help you stay comfortable and still.
• The exam usually lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the region being studied. Headphones or earplugs are provided, along with your choice of music to enjoy.
• The technologist stays nearby and communicates with you throughout the exam.