How to Prepare for your MRI or CT Scan

How to Prepare

We are here to support you during your scan and procedures. Our centre has a relaxed environment and staff who are dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible.

Preparing for Your MRI

If you’re having an MRI, you’ll change into a gown and will be asked to remove any metal items like jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids and phones as metal can interfere with the magnet in the MRI machine. Let the technologist know if you have any medical or electronic devices in your body.

An MRI can take from 15 minutes to an hour. As we use the highest resolution possible, our scans will be quicker for your additional comfort. Expect there to be some noise from the machines, and remain as still as you can so that your scan doesn’t become blurry.

If your doctor requested a special dye be used, this is called a contrast agent and helps scans show more details. We’ll inject this dye into a vein or artery. The contact substance will leave your body through your urine or bowels.

Preparing for your CT Scan

A CT scan uses a low dose of radiation to gather details about your body. The newer machines that are used at False Creek Wellness use less radiation, but it’s important to know that there is still some. Your doctor may ask that your scan include a special dye to help show more contrast. We will ask you to either drink a substance, or have an injection with the dye. For those having a scan of their intestines, they may need the material inserted into their rectum.

You might also be asked to remove all metal objects like jewelry or glasses, wear a hospital gown and not eat or drink for a few hours before your scan. Just as for an MRI, you should expect some noise from the machines and lie as still as you can to help with the clarity of your images.