An open MRI offers comforts that the traditional scanner doesn’t, but there are still things that you should do to prepare for the scan so that the doctor sees the best images of the body. There usually aren’t any restrictions as to what you can eat or drink before the scan because you aren’t put to sleep. You can take medications as you normally would unless there are other medications that the doctor might want you to take before the scan is performed. This medication is often in the form of a liquid contrast solution that will run through the body after it’s consumed or after it’s delivered through an intravenous needle.
There are a few things that you want to alert the technician about before the scan is performed as they can pose a health hazard. These include a pacemaker, tattoos, any metal implants or dentures. You also need to let the technician know if you’re pregnant or could be pregnant. You need to remove anything that’s metallic before the MRI is performed. It’s best to just leave these items at home so that you’re not worried about keeping up with them. Before the scan, you’ll need to answer a few questions that relate to your overall health and your family history. The technician will explain what will happen in the exam room.
With an open scanner, you won’t be in a tube like you would with a standard machine. You’ll be on a long table with a machine to the side of you that will circle around the table. This design prevents you from being in a small space where you might feel claustrophobic at times. You’ll also be able to see what’s taking place in the exam room, which can make you feel more comfortable about the procedure. The only thing that you’ll need to do is relax and listen to any directions that are given by the technician as you might need to hold your breath at times or move your arms above your head. The scan shouldn’t take long, and you’re usually free to go home once it’s done.
