Before Your MRI: Check Implants, Contrast, and Exam Arrangements

After receiving an MRI referral, send the referral and your implant information to the department performing the scan. This is especially important if you have a pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, cochlear implant, aneurysm clip, medication pump, or metal fragments in your body. Having had an MRI before does not mean you can safely have this scan. The radiology department needs to confirm the exact device and the conditions for this scan. If you cannot provide the model, first ask the department how to obtain the missing information, then decide on the next step.[1][2]

Key Points

• Give the MRI department your implant card, surgical records, manufacturer, and model. The department must verify the information; do not turn off or adjust the device yourself.
• Contrast is not needed for every scan. Ask the referring doctor what question it is intended to answer, and tell radiology about any previous reactions to contrast, kidney problems, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Raise any concerns about claustrophobia, pain, difficulty lying flat, or the need for sedation before booking. Follow the examination team's instructions about fasting and travel home after sedation.

What to Provide When Booking

Show the MRI department your referral and confirm the body part to be scanned, whether contrast is planned, the appointment time, and whether previous images would help with comparison. List any implants, external devices, and metal that may remain in your body, including electrodes or metal fragments. Provide your implant card, surgery date, manufacturer, model, and surgical records. Even if you have had an MRI before, ask the department performing this scan to check again.[1][2]

You can ask: “I have this implant card. Is the information about the model and all components enough for you to assess it? Will I need a device specialist to adjust the device or provide monitoring before the scan? If information is missing, which hospital or manufacturer should I contact?” Having an appointment does not mean safety screening is complete. If device information is missing, radiology may need to investigate further or discuss another type of examination. Do not assume you can enter the scanning area.[1][2]

How to Confirm Contrast and Preparation Requirements

Ask the referring doctor: “What additional information would contrast provide for this scan? Would a scan without contrast be enough?” A contrast-enhanced MRI may use a gadolinium contrast agent. Tell radiology about any previous reactions to contrast, kidney disease or a kidney transplant, and whether you are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. The department will decide whether you need kidney function tests and what approach to use. Gadolinium contrast is usually avoided during pregnancy. If it is truly necessary, radiology will assess whether it can be used.[1][2][3]

Ask the department performing your scan whether you need to fast, what to do about your regular medicines, whether blood tests are needed, and how to manage any external pumps or sensors. Requirements may differ depending on the examination and sedation plan. Do not stop medicines or remove treatment devices yourself.[2]

What If You Fear Enclosed Spaces or Cannot Lie Flat?

When booking, explain if you have previously had to stop a scan, fear enclosed spaces, have pain, or find it difficult to lie flat. Ask about equipment suitable for this scan, ways to communicate, and measures to help you feel comfortable. If you need medication or sedation, confirm in advance who will prescribe it, fasting requirements, monitoring, and arrangements for an adult to accompany you. Arrange transport after receiving sedation; do not drive yourself.[2]

On the Day of the Scan and Afterward

Complete safety screening, change clothes, and remove any metal items and electronic devices that are not permitted, as instructed by staff. Anyone accompanying you who needs to enter the scanning area must also be screened. Before the scan, confirm that you have hearing protection, such as earplugs or headphones, and ask how to call for help. Follow the technologist's instructions for positioning. During the scan, tell the technologist immediately if you have pain, unusual warmth, a burning sensation, or other discomfort.[1][2][4]

If you have a severe reaction after receiving contrast, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat or face, tell medical staff immediately. If this happens after you leave, contact local emergency services immediately.[5]

Before leaving, ask when the report will be ready and who is responsible for explaining it. If you need a consultation at another hospital, confirm how to obtain the complete image files and report, and ask the receiving team to check that they can open them. If contrast was used, keep a record of its name and any reactions for the team performing your next scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a pacemaker always mean I cannot have an MRI?

No. Some devices can be scanned under specified conditions. The department must confirm the exact model, components, and scan conditions. The device name alone is not enough to decide.[2]

What if I cannot find my implant card?

First contact the hospital where you had surgery to obtain the surgical records and device information, then give these to the MRI department. If the information is still insufficient, the department will decide how to investigate further or choose another examination.

If I have had CT contrast before, does that mean MRI contrast is safe for me?

No. Gadolinium contrast used for MRI differs from the iodine-based contrast commonly used for CT. Tell radiology which agent you received, what happened during any reaction, and how it was treated.[1]

Can I have an MRI if I am pregnant or might be pregnant?

Tell the referring doctor and radiology when booking. They will assess this based on the need for the scan and whether contrast is planned. Do not wait until you enter the scanning room to mention it.[1]

Must I stop breastfeeding after an MRI with contrast?

RadiologyInfo states that radiologists generally consider it safe to continue breastfeeding after gadolinium contrast. Still, tell the department and discuss the specific agent and your personal circumstances.[1]

Do I always need to fast before an MRI?

There is no single requirement that applies to all MRI scans. The body part being scanned, the scan protocol, or sedation arrangements may affect the requirements. Follow the instructions from the department performing your scan.[2]

Sources

[1] RadiologyInfo (American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America): MRI Safety, checked 2026-11-06.

[2] RadiologyInfo: How to Prepare for an MRI, checked 2026-11-06.

[3] RadiologyInfo: MRI Safety During Pregnancy, checked 2026-11-06.

[4] U.S. FDA: What Patients Should Know Before Having an MRI Exam, checked 2026-11-06.

[5] RadiologyInfo: Contrast Material Safety, checked 2026-11-06.