Call 718-400-6369 to book an appointment for a Brooklyn MRI at our state-of-the-art facility.
Your doctor may order an MRI to diagnose your injury or illness. Over ten million Americans safely get MRIs each year. However, you should know what not to do before an MRI to ensure your safety and accurate results.
If you need an MRI after a car accident or another incident, connect with Brooklyn Open MRI in New York City. As a top provider of diagnostic imaging in Brooklyn, NY, we know how to produce the best and most accurate scans.
Here, we share some things you should not do before MRI scans.
What Is an MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves and a magnetic field with powerful magnets to create a 3D view of the body’s soft tissues and bones. Standard MRI machines resemble long tubes a person will enter while lying flat on a table. These machines can be claustrophobia-inducing, but an open MRI in Brooklyn, NY, can help reduce patient discomfort because it’s not fully enclosed.
Despite claustrophobia risks, MRIs are relatively safe. A six-year study of over 360,000 MRIs showed only 0.35% of procedures included a reported incident.
Four Things to Avoid Before Having an MRI
1. Not Disclose Pre-Existing Conditions
When learning what not to do before an MRI, you might overlook the importance of telling the lab technicians about your pre-existing conditions. Because of the magnets, the technicians should know if you have any metal in your body, including:
- Cochlear implants
- Pacemakers
- Metal joints
- Metal implants like plates, stents, and pins
Some materials are MRI-safe. However, it’s best to alert the MRI technicians and be sure.
2. Have Metal Anywhere on Your Body
The MRI’s powerful magnets are attracted to metal, including anything metallic on your body. Your body piercings, jewelry, metal hair pins, and other metallic items can become projectiles that could harm you or damage your clothing. Ensure you have absolutely no metal on you for MRIs.
3. Use the Bathroom
Depending on your condition, a diagnosis might rely on you having a full bladder. If the technicians tell you to drink a lot of water before your appointment, limit your bathroom trips so they can get a clear scan. You might have to reschedule the appointment if you have an empty bladder.
4. Apply Makeup
The FDA conducted a study on heavy metals in cosmetics. The amount of lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel are not high enough to be toxic, but they could affect the MRI machine. It’s best to be fresh-faced for your appointment.
Schedule an Appointment at Brooklyn Open MRI in Brooklyn, NY, Today
Now that you know what not to do before an MRI. turn to Brooklyn Open MRI. Our Brooklyn, NY, facility has a team of qualified specialists offering several diagnostic imaging services, including MRIs, X-rays, and EMG tests.
Our specialists accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP. Same-day appointments may be available, so contact Brooklyn Open MRI today at 718-400-6369.
If you need help understanding MRI scans and procedures, we are happy to help!
