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St. John's Regional Medical Center
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Radiology

MRI

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine creates an image of the body using a large magnet. You will lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You will not feel the magnetic field, but you will hear some noise. It is important to remain very still during the scan. The procedure typically takes from 45-60 minutes and you will be able to speak to the MRI technologist the entire time. In the machine, do not wear:

  • Jewelry
  • Metal objects
  • Eyeglasses
  • Dental pieces

Before the procedure, let the technologist know if you have a pacemaker, have had heart valves replaced, or have any metal in your body, including surgical staples, metal fillings or permanent makeup. Also let staff know if you become claustrophobic (there is little clearance inside the MRI machine), have had a bullet wound or worked with metal (metal shavings risk).