How do I prepare for MRI? Preparing for an MRI may be much easier than you think. You may eat normally the day of the exam unless told otherwise by your physician. Do not wear any make-up. Some brands may contain a metallic base. The force of the magnet will erase credit cards and alter calculators and watches so you will be asked to remove all personal possessions like your watch, wallet, keys and other metallic items such as dentures, pins, earrings, etc. It is best to leave personal valuables at home. Clothing containing metal, for example zippers, snaps, and bra hooks will show up on the scan, so you may be asked to wear a hospital gown. All these precautions are taken so as not to interfere with magnetic field of the MRI. What to bring? Please bring all pertinent insurance information with you to your appointment such as insurance card, insurance authorizations and co-payments. MRI Associates of Buffalo participates in most major insurance plans. You are also asked to bring your prescription form your physician, any prior MRIs, CTs or any X-rays of the affected area. Ask your doctor about providing these materials. If you require oxygen MRI Associates of Buffalo can supply oxygen for those patients that require it during the MRI scanning procedure. During your MRI scan One of our MRI technologists will escort you to the magnetic resonance imaging unit. You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable padded table. At times a special receiver is needed to be placed next to the area that will be scanned. Your head rests in a comfortable padded cradle. The most difficult part of the MRI is lying still. It is normal for the MRI to make loud banging and tapping noises for a few minutes (like a washing machine out of balance) as the technologists adjusts radio frequencies and other controls. Earplugs and music are provided. During the exam you will be able to speak to the people conducting the exam via an intercom. If necessary, a friend or relative may accompany you into the MRI room. Remember, the exam is completely painless and you should try to relax the 30 to 45 minutes you are in the magnet. After the imaging process, you’ll be free to go and resume your daily activities. Results? Your MRI images will be analyzed and interpreted by M.R.I. Associates of Buffalo staff which include fellowship trained, Board Certified Radiologists, and recognized experts in the field. The results are sent to your physician who will then discuss them with you.