Kasey McKillip Sheds Light on What Patients Should Know Before an MRI Appointment

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones, and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. As per Kasey McKillip, proper preparation helps patients undergo the examination safely while supporting clear and accurate imaging.

Kasey McKillip briefly talks about what patients should know before an MRI appointment

An MRI scanner produces a magnetic field that is far stronger than Earth’s natural magnetic field. This magnetic field temporarily aligns hydrogen atoms found in the body’s water molecules. Radio-frequency signals then disturb these atoms. As they return to their original alignment, they release signals that specialized coils detect. A computer processes these signals to produce detailed images of the body. The MRI magnet remains active even when images are not being captured. For this reason, strict safety measures apply to everything brought into the scanning area.

Metal and certain electronic devices can create serious safety concerns around an MRI scanner. Metallic objects may be pulled toward the magnet with considerable force, while some conductive materials can become hot during scanning.

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Patients should inform the imaging center about any implanted or metallic medical devices before their appointment. These may include pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, tissue expanders, or certain joint implants. The MRI team can determine whether a particular device is MRI-safe or requires special precautions. Previous injuries involving shrapnel, bullet fragments, or metal particles should also be reported. People who work with metal, including welders and machinists, may have tiny metallic fragments in their eyes without realizing it. Additional screening, such as an X-ray, may sometimes be necessary.

Before entering the scanner room, patients generally need to remove jewelry, watches, piercings, hearing aids, keys, coins, hairpins, credit cards, and other metallic or magnetic belongings. Certain clothing can also contain metallic fibers. Patients may therefore be asked to change into a hospital gown. Some cosmetics, hair accessories, tattoos containing particular pigments, and hair extensions with metallic components can also affect MRI scanning or cause irritation.

According to Kasey McKillip, food and drink restrictions depend on the type of MRI being performed. Many routine scans do not require fasting. However, abdominal, pelvic, and some specialized examinations may require patients to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. The imaging center’s instructions should always take priority. Patients taking regular medicines should generally continue them as directed unless their doctor or imaging team provides different instructions. Certain medication patches containing metallic components may also need to be removed before scanning.

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Some MRI examinations require a contrast agent called gadolinium to make specific tissues, blood vessels, inflammation, or abnormalities easier to identify. The contrast is usually administered through a vein in the arm. Although gadolinium-based contrast agents differ from the iodine-based contrast commonly used in CT examinations, patients should still disclose previous contrast reactions and relevant medical conditions. Because gadolinium is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, patients with kidney problems may require blood tests, like creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), before contrast is administered.