What Happens Inside the MRI Room? A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients

Have you ever wondered what happens inside an MRI room? Many patients feel nervous when they enter an MRI room for the first time. They may have questions like:

• What happens after entering the MRI room?

• Do I need to remove my clothes?

• Why does the MRI machine make loud noises?

• Can I talk to the MRI technician?

• Is an MRI scan painful?

Don't worry! In this article, we will explain the complete MRI procedure step by step in simple language.

1. Entering the MRI Department

When you arrive at the MRI department, the staff will first verify your name, age, medical history and scan details.

The MRI staff will also ask about:

• Pacemakers and cardiac devices.

• Metal implants or surgical clips.

• Previous surgeries.

• Pregnancy, if applicable.

• History of any metallic foreign body in the eyes or body.

Important: Always inform the MRI staff about any implants or medical devices before entering the MRI room.

2. Changing Your Clothes and Removing Metal Objects

Before entering the MRI room, you may be asked to change into hospital clothing.

You must remove metal objects such as:

• Watches

• Jewellery

• Chains and rings

• Hairpins

• Coins and keys

• Mobile phones

• Credit and ATM cards

Why?

MRI machines use a powerful magnetic field. Certain metal objects can become dangerous projectiles or interfere with image quality.

3. Entering the MRI Scan Room

Now comes the most important step!

The MRI room contains a large scanner with a circular opening called the MRI bore.

The patient is positioned on a special movable table, which slowly moves inside the scanner.

The MRI technologist positions the patient according to the examination, such as:

• Brain MRI

• Spine MRI

• Knee MRI

• Shoulder MRI

• Abdomen MRI

4. Positioning the Patient and Placing the Coil

The MRI technologist places a special device called an MRI coil around or near the body part being examined.

What is an MRI coil?

An MRI coil is a special receiver device that helps detect signals from the body and produces detailed images.

Different coils are used for different examinations.

For example:

• Head coil for brain MRI.

• Spine coil for spine MRI.

• Knee coil for knee MRI.

• Body coil for abdomen MRI.

5. Wearing Ear Protection

Have you noticed that MRI machines make loud knocking and buzzing sounds?

These sounds are produced during image acquisition.

To protect your hearing and improve comfort, the MRI staff will provide earplugs or headphones.

Don't worry! These sounds are a normal part of MRI scanning.

6. The MRI Scan Begins

Now the actual scanning starts.

The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce images of the inside of your body.

During scanning, you may hear different sounds such as:

• Knocking

• Buzzing

• Clicking

• Rhythmic tapping

The technologist monitors the examination from the control room.

Remember: You should remain as still as possible during the scan because body movement can make the images blurry.

7. Communication With the MRI Technologist

Many patients think they will be completely alone inside the MRI machine.

But this is not true!

The MRI technologist can communicate with you through an intercom system.

You will generally be given an emergency call bell or squeeze device.

If you feel uncomfortable, inform the technologist.

8. Contrast Injection (If Required)

Some MRI examinations require a special contrast agent called Gadolinium-based contrast.

It is injected into a vein, usually in the arm, to help doctors evaluate certain tissues, blood vessels and abnormalities.

Not every MRI scan requires contrast.

The need for contrast depends on the doctor's request and examination protocol.

9. Completion of the MRI Scan

After all required images are acquired, the MRI table moves out of the scanner.

The technologist helps you get up from the table.

If contrast was administered, the staff may provide additional instructions before you leave.

The scan images are then processed and sent for radiologist interpretation.

10. When Will I Get My MRI Report?

The reporting time depends on the hospital or diagnostic centre.

The radiologist studies the MRI images and prepares a report to help your doctor understand the findings.

Is an MRI Scan Painful?

No. MRI scanning itself is generally painless and does not use ionizing radiation.

However, some patients may feel uncomfortable because of:

• Staying still for a long time.

• Loud scanning noises.

• Fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia).

• Discomfort from lying in one position.

Inform the MRI staff if you feel anxious or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

An MRI scan is a safe and non-invasive imaging procedure when proper safety screening and protocols are followed.

From entering the MRI department to completing the scan, every step is designed to provide clear images and ensure patient safety.

So, if you are going for your first MRI examination, don't be nervous. Follow the MRI technologist's instructions and ask questions whenever you have doubts.

Learn more about MRI, CT Scan and Medical Imaging with Radiographic Gyan.

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