Preparations will vary depending on the kind of exam you are having performed.

For any MRI please plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your appointment for patient registration.

An MRI uses a strong magnet, so you will be asked to remove your watch, and any other jewelry or metal objects. You may also be asked to remove any makeup you are wearing, as some brands contain trace amounts of metal. Braces and fillings are normally not a problem.

  1. Any MRI scheduled with sedation
    • Please do not eat or drink anything six (6) hours prior to your exam.
    • Please bring a driver.
  2. Any MRI scheduled with contrast
    • Please do not eat or drink anything four (4) hours prior to your exam.
  3. MRI Angiogram with contrast
    • Please do not eat or drink anything four (4) hours prior to your exam.
    • Your exam requires lab work. Please contact the Medical Screening Department at 559.447.4000.
  4. MRI Arthrogram 
    • Please do not eat or drink anything four (4) hours prior to your exam.
    • Do not take any aspirin or blood-thinning medications for five (5) days prior to your exam.
    • Patient needs to bring a driver.
  5. MRI Gallbladder and Bile Ducts (MRCP)
    • Please do not eat or drink anything eight (8) hours prior to your exam.
  6. Other MRI exams
    • Other MRI exams do not require preparation.