Chest MRI - How to Prepare

You may be asked to wear a gown during the chest MRI, or you may be allowed to wear your own clothing if it is loose-fitting and has no metal fasteners. Patients with pacemakers and certain types of metal in their body cannot be examined.

Guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI exam vary with the specific exam. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take food and medications as usual.

The radiologist or technologist should also know if you have any serious health problems, or if you have recently had surgery. Some conditions, such as severe kidney disease may prevent you from being given contrast material for an MRI. If there is a history of kidney disease, it may be necessary to perform a blood test to determine whether the kidneys are functioning adequately.

Women should always inform their radiologist or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.